Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe: One-Pan Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this zesty chicken fajita casserole brings the perfect blend of flavor and comfort.

Packed with vibrant peppers and tender chicken, the casserole captures the essence of classic Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Layers of seasoned meat, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies every craving.

Each bite delivers a spicy, creamy experience that makes traditional fajitas look ordinary.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly and easily.

Robust southwestern spices infuse every layer with bold, irresistible taste.

Prepare to savor a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Chicken Fajita Casserole So Satisfying

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine all ingredients in one dish for a hassle-free meal that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, or avocado to match your family's taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with familiar flavors kids love, this casserole brings everyone together for a satisfying and delicious meal.
• One-Pot Dish: Combines protein, rice, and veggies in a single baking dish, making it a complete and nutritious dinner solution for busy households.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender protein that gives the casserole its hearty base.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that adds substance to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Cheese: Creamy ingredients that make the casserole rich and comforting.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Tomatoes with Chilies, Fajita Seasoning: Colorful vegetables and spices that bring zesty flavor to the casserole.

• Chicken Broth, Nonstick Cooking Spray, Aluminum Foil: Supporting ingredients that help with cooking and preparation.

How to Prepare Chicken Fajita Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking magic.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Shredded chicken
• Uncooked rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Fajita seasoning
• Half of the shredded cheese

Stir everything together until it’s beautifully blended.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Wrap the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and dreamy.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Once the rice is cooked, pull the dish out of the oven.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Pop it back in the oven just long enough to melt the cheese into gooey, golden goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve up this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast!

Tips for Bold Chicken Fajita Casserole Flavor

• Adjust the fajita seasoning amount to match your preferred spice level, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Use long-grain white rice for the best consistency and prevent mushiness by not overcooking.
• Dice bell peppers and onions uniformly for even cooking and better distribution throughout the casserole.
• Reserve some cheese for the final topping to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for a more developed taste.

Store and Reheat Chicken Fajita Casserole Smartly

• Store leftover chicken fajita casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What Goes Great with Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Shake up a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the spicy fajita flavors, cutting through the creamy casserole richness.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican Slaw: Whip a tangy cabbage slaw with cilantro, lime, and a touch of jalapeño to add fresh crunch and brightness alongside the hearty casserole.
• Enhance with Southwest Salsa: Create a fresh tomato and corn salsa with red onions and cilantro to provide a vibrant, cool contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken dish.
• Complement with Chilled Mexican Beer: Pour a light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the casserole's rich and spicy profile, cleansing the palate between bites.

Flavor Spins on Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Vegetarian Fusion: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans, using vegetable broth for a plant-based protein-packed alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Mexican Style: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, use lean ground turkey instead of chicken, and add extra bell peppers for volume.
• Dairy-Free Zinger: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the liquid and cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from the tomatoes with chilies and fajita seasoning. If you prefer less heat, use mild diced tomatoes and reduce the fajita seasoning.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded cooked chicken breasts, or leftover grilled chicken all work great. Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded or diced before mixing into the casserole.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling chicken fajita casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to kitchen tables with layers of bold flavors and cheesy goodness. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and melted cheese combine for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups (400 g) instant rice
• 1 (8-ounce) 226 g package shredded Mexican blend cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 (1.12-ounce) 32 g packet fajita seasoning
• 1 (10.5-ounce) 298 g can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) chicken broth

Additional Components:

• 1 cup (150 g) frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 (10-ounce) 283 g can diced tomatoes with chilies (undrained)

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Instructions

1. Assemble the fajita casserole mixture by combining shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onions, bell peppers, diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Sprinkle approximately half of the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture.
5. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
6. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 40-45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
7. Remove the foil and add the remaining cheese across the surface of the casserole.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to help it set and make serving easier.
10. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Opt for brown rice for added nutrition and a wholesome twist on the classic recipe.
• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy fajita seasoning depending on your preference.
• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious.
• Quickly chop vegetables in advance to streamline the preparation process and save time during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg