Description
This flavorful Fajita Chicken Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal combining tender shredded chicken, instant rice, savory fajita seasoning, and a cheesy topping. It’s easy to prepare and bakes to perfection with a blend of creamy and zesty ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts)
- 2 cups instant rice
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (like Ro*Tel), undrained
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning
- 1 (8-ounce) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups), divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- 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, diced tomatoes with chilies (undrained), chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and about half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout.
- First Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes. This allows the instant rice to cook and the flavors to meld together.
- Final Bake and Cheese Topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works great.
- Instant rice cooks faster and makes this recipe quicker and easier.
- Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning to your spice preference.
- Covering the casserole during the first baking stage helps evenly cook the rice and keeps the casserole moist.
- Fresh diced onions and bell peppers can be used instead of frozen if preferred.
- This casserole pairs well with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh green salad.
