A One-Dish Comfort Dish with Bold Tex-Mex Flavor
This Fajita Chicken Casserole layers shredded chicken, seasoned rice, and a creamy, spicy sauce with bell peppers and onions for a comforting, crowd-pleasing baked dish. With a Mexican cheese crown and a kick of fajita seasoning, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry group.
A bold, cheesy twist on classic fajitas—no skillet needed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥘 Shredded Chicken Base: Absorbs the rich, spiced sauce for deep flavor.
- 🌶️ Fajita Seasoning Pop: Brings the signature Tex-Mex warmth without needing to sauté the chicken first.
- 🧀 Cheesy Finish: Mexican-style cheese blend melts into a bubbly, golden crust.
- ⏱️ Quick Assembly: Just mix, pour, and bake—ideal for busy cooks.
- 🥣 Rice Magic: Instant rice cooks perfectly in the casserole, soaking up flavor as it bakes.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Casserole Mixture:
- 4 cups (600g) shredded cooked chicken breast (rotisserie works well)
- 2 cups (370g) uncooked instant white rice (or Minute Rice for no-boil convenience)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) cream of chicken soup (adds richness and binds the mixture)
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- 1 cup (140g) frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend (or fresh, if preferred)
- 1 can (10 oz / 284g) diced tomatoes with green chilies , undrained (adds fire and moisture)
- 360ml (1½ cups) chicken broth (or water in a pinch – chicken stock adds depth)
- 1 packet (32g) fajita seasoning (or homemade mix with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and salt)
For the Topping:
- 227g (1 bag) shredded Mexican-style cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack mix)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Pan & Preheat Oven
Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with non-stick spray or oil.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Uncooked instant rice
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Frozen onion and peppers
- Tomatoes with chilies (undrained – adds extra juice and heat)
- Chicken broth
- Fajita seasoning
Mix thoroughly until fully combined and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese
Pour half of the Mexican cheese blend into the casserole mixture and stir gently to incorporate.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ of the cheese over the top for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes .
Remove from oven and peel back the foil .
Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 5: Rest & Serve Warm
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set and prevents burning.
Each bite brings together:
- Spicy, savory chicken base
- Creamy, rich sour cream and soup sauce
- Sweet, tender bell peppers and onions
- Cheesy, gooey golden crust
Tips for Success:
- 🥄 Use Instant Rice Only: Regular rice won’t cook properly in this method.
- 🧑🍳 Add Beans or Corn: Stir in 1 cup drained black beans or corn with the veggies for extra nutrition.
- 🧀 Cheese Swap Magic: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or vegan cheese for variation.
- 🌿 Top with Freshness: Add avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges before serving.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—bake fresh when ready.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect with warm tortillas, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
- Great with a cold drink like beer, iced tea, or lime water.
- Ideal for potlucks, school lunches, or casual family dinners.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 – approximate):
(With regular cheese and cream of chicken soup – per portion)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~3g
This Fajita Chicken Casserole proves that you don’t need a skillet to get bold Tex-Mex flavor. With its creamy rice, spicy chicken, and bubbly cheese—it’s a must-bake for lovers of fajitas and baked comfort meals.
