Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
There’s something so comforting about the aroma of baked chicken wafting through the house, isn’t there? As you walk into your kitchen, the blend of spicy fajita seasoning and creamy cheese beckons you to linger just a moment longer. The vibrant colors from the bell peppers add a cheerful touch that instantly brightens up your meal. It’s a visual feast that’s just as delicious as it looks!
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe for a family gathering. The laughter, the chatter around the table, and the satisfied mmm’s from everyone as they took their first bites—it was truly a heartwarming moment. This dish has since become a staple at our dinners, especially during cozy nights in or festive family celebrations. With just a bit of prep time and less than an hour in the oven, you’ll have a sensational one-dish wonder that’s bound to impress. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of bake time, you can have dinner ready in under an hour!
- Irresistible Flavor: Bold Tex-Mex flavors come alive with every creamy, cheesy bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant bell peppers and melty cheese make this dish not just delicious but also visually stunning.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a meal prep solution for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Consider easy substitutions to make it gluten-free or adjust for dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shredded Cooked Chicken (4 cups): Use about 2 large chicken breasts or a whole rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover chicken works great too!
- Instant Rice (2 cups uncooked): This cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors. You can substitute with brown rice, but cooking times will vary.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz, 1 can): This adds creaminess and flavor depth. Look for low-sodium options, or try making your own if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): For that rich, creamy touch. Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute.
- Frozen Diced Onion and Bell Pepper Blend (1 cup): Convenient and adds flavor and color. Fresh veggies work too!
- Diced Tomatoes with Chilies (10 oz, 1 can): Provides a spicy kick. Use mild or hot according to your taste!
- Chicken Broth (1.5 cups): It adds moisture and flavor, balancing all the ingredients. Low-sodium is a smart choice here.
- Fajita Seasoning (1.12 oz packet): I recommend McCormick for its robust flavor. You can make your own blend if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Mexican Blend Cheese (8 oz, divided): For that gooey, melty goodness that everyone loves. Monterey Jack or Cheddar are also great alternatives.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures that your casserole won’t stick and helps with easy cleanup later!
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, the frozen onion and bell pepper blend, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and about 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir well until everything is nicely blended—this melody of ingredients is what brings the flavor party!
Layer and Bake: Pour the delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the rice cook perfectly as it absorbs all those yummy juices. Bake in the oven for about 35 to 45 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and fragrant!
Add the Cheese: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and discard the foil. It’s time to sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. This cheese layer is crucial for that golden, gooey finish we all crave!
Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 3-5 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the cheese to melt and get bubbly—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Let it Rest: Once you take it out of the oven, give the casserole about 5 minutes to stand before serving. This allows it to set a bit, making serving easier. Enjoy with tortilla chips, fresh salsa, or sliced avocado!
Storing & Reheating
This casserole is perfect for leftovers! Allow any uneaten portions to cool before transferring them to an airtight container where they’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze it for later, just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Do note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a dash of fresh salsa or sour cream can bring it back to life!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the rice by sticking to the prescribed baking time. Check around the 35-minute mark to ensure it’s perfect.
- To enhance flavor, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños or fresh cilantro into the mix before baking.
- For an even creamier texture, you might consider adding a little extra sour cream or even a splash of heavy cream.
- If you’re making this ahead of time, assemble everything, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time when you’re ready to cook!
- Swap the chicken for turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.
If you’re looking for a hearty, affordable, and easy-to-make meal that brings everyone around the dinner table, you’ve found it! This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is not just practical but also so enjoyable to customize. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices to suit your family’s preferences. What’s most important is savoring this delightful dish with your loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use uncooked rice instead of instant rice?
Absolutely! Just remember that if you use uncooked rice, you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Add about 1 cup of extra chicken broth and increase the bake time by 10-15 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness to ensure everything is cooked through.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
You can make your own by mixing together a bit of chicken broth, milk, and flour to thicken it, or use a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a healthier option. If you prefer a dairy-free version, opt for coconut milk with some seasoning.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure that your fajita seasoning is gluten-free, as many blends contain gluten. Instant rice is usually gluten-free, but double-check the packaging to be sure!
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can easily throw in more veggies like zucchini, corn, or even black beans for extra flavor and nutrition. Just remember that if you add extra vegetables, you may need to slightly adjust the liquid content to keep the casserole from being too dry.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole bursts with bold flavors and creamy cheese, making it the perfect quick dinner option. With simple prep, it’s family-approved comfort food!
Ingredients
- Shredded Cooked Chicken (4 cups)
- Instant Rice (2 cups uncooked)
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz, 1 can)
- Sour Cream (1 cup)
- Frozen Diced Onion and Bell Pepper Blend (1 cup)
- Diced Tomatoes with Chilies (10 oz, 1 can)
- Chicken Broth (1.5 cups)
- Fajita Seasoning (1.12 oz packet)
- Mexican Blend Cheese (8 oz, divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion and pepper blend, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and 1 cup of cheese in a large bowl.
- Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 35-45 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove foil and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for another 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider using leftovers for added convenience.
For a gluten-free option, ensure chicken broth and fajita seasoning are gluten-free.
Adding jalapeños or fresh cilantro can enhance the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
