Description: This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of fajitas into a hearty, easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. The instant rice cooks right in the casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors, while the Mexican blend cheese adds a rich, melty topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts)
- 2 cups instant rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with chilies (like RoTel), undrained
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning
- 1 bag (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Dish
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick to the bottom and makes for easier cleanup later on. A light coating is all you need; too much spray can sometimes leave a residue.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen onion and bell pepper blend, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies (like RoTel), chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. This is where the magic happens. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined. The instant rice needs to be evenly distributed to cook properly. The cream of chicken soup and sour cream create a creamy base, while the fajita seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies provide that signature fajita flavor. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
Step 3: Assemble
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Ensure the casserole is evenly distributed so it cooks uniformly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, ensuring there are no overly thick or thin areas.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes. Covering the casserole with foil helps to trap moisture and allows the rice to cook properly without drying out the chicken. The foil also prevents the cheese from browning too quickly. Make sure the foil is securely placed over the dish to create a good seal.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Removing the foil allows the cheese to melt and become golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The cheese should be fully melted and slightly bubbly for the best texture and flavor.
Why you will love this recipe
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table quickly. The use of instant rice simplifies the cooking process, eliminating the need for pre-cooking the rice separately.
The flavors are vibrant and comforting, reminiscent of classic fajitas but in a convenient casserole form. The creamy texture from the sour cream and cream of chicken soup, combined with the slight kick from the diced tomatoes with chilies and fajita seasoning, creates a taste sensation that’s both familiar and exciting.
It’s also a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. You can add different vegetables, such as corn or black beans, or adjust the amount of spice to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it an economical choice.
Finally, the cheesy topping is the perfect finishing touch, adding a rich and comforting element that makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions:
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the experience with a variety of accompaniments:
- Toppings: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a drizzle of lime juice, and a scoop of guacamole or sliced avocado.
- Sides: Offer a side of tortilla chips for scooping up the casserole, or a fresh salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
- Additional Vegetables: Add a side of grilled or sautéed bell peppers and onions for an extra serving of vegetables and a more authentic fajita experience.
- Rice and Beans: Complement the casserole with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild diced tomatoes with chilies or reduce the amount of fajita seasoning. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking.
- Freeze it: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 700-900 mg per serving
Conclusion
The Fajita Chicken Casserole is a delightful and convenient dish that brings the zesty flavors of fajitas to your dinner table in a comforting, easy-to-manage form. Its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing taste make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal or a flavorful dish to share with friends and family, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its versatility allows for endless variations, ensuring that you can tailor it to your specific tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy the deliciousness and ease of this exceptional dish!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
A: While instant rice is recommended for its convenience, you can use regular rice. However, you’ll need to cook the rice separately before adding it to the casserole. Use about 2 cups of cooked rice and reduce the amount of chicken broth to 1 cup, as the cooked rice won’t absorb as much liquid.
Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Substitute the chicken with 4 cups of cooked and seasoned black beans or a vegetarian chicken substitute. Ensure your vegetarian substitute is well-seasoned with fajita seasoning to maintain the dish’s flavor profile.
Q3: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: To increase the spice level, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning mixture, use hot diced tomatoes with chilies (like a hotter version of RoTel), or add some chopped jalapeños to the casserole. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole is very versatile. You can add vegetables like corn, black beans, diced bell peppers (if you’re not using the frozen blend), or even some chopped zucchini. Add about 1-2 cups of your chosen vegetables to the casserole mixture.
Q5: How should I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating can help to refresh the flavor and texture.
