If you are craving a hearty, bursting-with-flavor dish that combines the zest of fajitas with the cozy comfort of a casserole, you’re going to love this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender shredded chicken, vibrant bell peppers, tangy tomatoes with chilies, and creamy, cheesy goodness all baked together in one satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a beautiful balance of textures and a punch of bold flavors wrapped in creamy, cheesy warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s adding savory depth, a creamy texture, or that signature fajita spice that makes this casserole so irresistible.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Using about 4 cups of shredded chicken ensures your casserole is packed with protein and stays moist throughout baking.
- Instant rice: This 2-cup ingredient cooks right in the casserole, absorbing all those delicious juices and spices perfectly.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds a velvety richness and helps bind the casserole for creamy consistency.
- Sour cream: Its tanginess brightens up the dish and smooths out the spicy notes.
- Frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend: A simple way to bring that essential fajita crunch and vibrant color.
- Diced tomatoes with chilies (undrained): Contributes a zesty kick with a little heat and extra moisture.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the casserole from drying out while enhancing the chicken flavor.
- Fajita seasoning packet: This blend of spices is the flavor hero, turning ordinary ingredients into a fiesta of taste.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Two cups make the dish decadently cheesy, melting beautifully over and throughout the casserole.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which is the perfect temperature to cook everything evenly without drying it out. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, the uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and the frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend. Add in your undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, and the entire fajita seasoning packet to infuse that signature fajita punch. Fold in half of the shredded cheese so it starts melting into the mixture, setting the stage for incredible cheesiness.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Pour your vibrant and flavorful mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover it tightly with foil to trap the steam, which helps the rice cook perfectly and the flavors mingle. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the rice is tender and your kitchen is filled with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Cheese Layer
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for that irresistible golden layer. Pop the casserole back into the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, creating that beautiful gooey topping everyone will fight over.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions brightens this casserole and adds a fresh note that balances the rich cheesiness. A dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado on the side adds creaminess and cools down the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables to add crunch and freshness. For a Tex-Mex vibe, serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips that can scoop up every cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic touch, perfect for entertaining. You can also layer the casserole in clear glass dishes to showcase its colorful layers, tempting everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe keep extremely well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a wonderful meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it has been cooked and cooled. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, cover the casserole or individual portions with foil to prevent drying out and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Microwaving works too for smaller servings—just stir halfway through to evenly distribute heat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bell peppers instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh bell peppers will add a bit more crunch and brightness. Just sauté them lightly before mixing into the casserole to soften them up, so they cook evenly with the rice.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Shredded cooked chicken from poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works beautifully. It’s a flexible recipe that lets you use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade version or need a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a simple homemade cream sauce made from butter, flour, and chicken broth, or use a dairy-free cream soup alternative.
Is this casserole spicy?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the fajita seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies. You can control the heat by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes, or adjusting the seasoning packet amount.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free instant rice and ensure your fajita seasoning and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free varieties. This casserole can be adapted to fit gluten-free diets without losing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe really brings the best of classic Tex-Mex flavors right to your dinner table with ease. It’s nourishing, crowd-pleasing, and totally comforting—all wrapped up in one cheesy, delicious bake. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a comforting, flavorful one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It combines shredded cooked chicken with instant rice, creamy ingredients, fajita seasoning, and a blend of Mexican cheeses baked until bubbly and golden. The dish boasts a melty cheesy topping and a delicious mix of fajita-inspired flavors with diced tomatoes and vegetables all cooked together in the oven.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2 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 Rotel), undrained
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning (e.g., McCormick)
Topping
- 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups), divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning. Stir in half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly.
- Bake Covered: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook properly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender.
- Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded, either freshly cooked or leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Instant rice is used here for convenience and speed; regular rice would require a longer bake time and more liquid.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
- Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like corn or black beans for added texture and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
