Fajita Chicken Casserole

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and packed with bold flavors, this Fajita Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution. With tender shredded chicken, savory fajita seasoning, creamy sour cream, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. The best part? It’s a one-dish meal that can be prepped in just minutes and baked to perfection. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large chicken breasts)
• 2 cups instant rice
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with chilies (like Ro*Tel), undrained
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (1.12 oz) packet fajita seasoning
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.

2. Combine the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 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
• Half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese

Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

3. Bake the Casserole:

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through and soak up the delicious flavors.

4. Add the Cheese:

After 35 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the casserole is hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve it with a side of chips, a fresh salad, or even guacamole for an extra kick.

Tips for the Perfect Fajita Chicken Casserole:

• Shredded Chicken: You can use any leftover cooked chicken for this recipe, or you can quickly cook chicken breasts by boiling or baking them and then shredding them with two forks.
• Rice Options: If you don’t have instant rice, you can use regular white rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid to ensure the rice fully cooks. Just make sure to follow the package directions for the rice you choose.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or black beans to make the casserole even heartier and more flavorful.
• Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier dish, use a can of diced tomatoes with extra chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time! Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion:

This Fajita Chicken Casserole combines all the flavors of fajitas into a convenient, one-dish meal. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping, it’s a filling and satisfying dinner that comes together quickly and easily. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal the whole family will love!