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

Scale

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

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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.