Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, spicy fajita seasoning, and a blend of creamy and cheesy ingredients baked to perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful one-dish meal that comes together quickly and delivers all the vibrant tastes of fajitas in a comforting casserole form.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2 large breasts)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)
Grains and Canned Goods
- 2 cups instant rice
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (undrained; like Rotel)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
- 1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning (I prefer McCormick)
Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning. Stir in about half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, incorporating everything evenly.
- Bake Covered: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook through evenly. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbling.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey and golden.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, take the casserole out, let it cool slightly, then serve warm for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from rotisserie or leftovers to save time.
- Instant rice cooks quickly but ensure it is fully tender before serving; adjust baking time if needed.
- Fajita seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust spice level as desired.
- Leftovers store well and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- To add extra veggies, consider mixing in black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
