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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sprinkle approximately half of the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
- 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.
- Remove the foil and add the remaining cheese across the surface of the casserole.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to help it set and make serving easier.
- 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