Quick Zesty Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Sizzling spices and melted cheese come together in a mouthwatering chicken fajita casserole that promises pure comfort on a plate.

This one-pan wonder brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table.

Tender chicken strips dance with colorful bell peppers and onions in a zesty blend of seasonings.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy elements that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The casserole combines all the beloved fajita ingredients into a convenient, crowd-pleasing meal that saves time without compromising on taste.

Grab a fork and dive into this irresistible dish that turns weeknight dinners into a fiesta of flavors.

Get ready to savor every delicious bite of this game-changing Mexican-inspired casserole.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender meat provides hearty texture and delivers classic fajita flavor, best when freshly shredded from roasted or rotisserie chicken.
• Instant Rice: Quick-cooking grain absorbs delicious seasonings and creates satisfying foundation for the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creamy components create rich, velvety sauce that binds ingredients and adds luxurious smoothness.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid ingredient ensures perfect rice consistency and intensifies overall savory profile.
• Fajita Seasoning: Signature spice blend introduces authentic southwestern zest and transforms ordinary ingredients into spectacular meal.

• Frozen Diced Onion and Bell Pepper Blend: Colorful vegetable mix provides sweet crunch and traditional fajita character without extra chopping.
• Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Tangy, slightly spicy element adds brightness and southwestern kick to the casserole.
• Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Melty topping brings golden, gooey finish and completes the dish with classic southwestern charm.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Tools Checklist

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for creating this delicious casserole and ensuring even cooking.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Aluminum foil: Helps keep moisture in while the casserole bakes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients together.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Step-by-Step

• Casserole Prep

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking magic. Your kitchen is about to transform into a flavor wonderland.

• Mixing Magic

In a spacious bowl, combine shredded chicken, uncooked rice, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, chopped veggies, zesty tomatoes, savory broth, and that incredible fajita seasoning. Sprinkle in some cheese for extra deliciousness.

• Baking Adventure

Pour your vibrant mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly like a cozy blanket. Wrap the dish in aluminum foil to lock in all those mouthwatering flavors.

• Oven Transformation

Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven. Let it dance and simmer for 35-45 minutes until the rice becomes tender and dreamy.

• Cheesy Finale

Pull out the casserole, unveil its golden beauty, and shower the top with remaining cheese. Return to the oven for a quick melt that’ll make everyone’s taste buds sing.

Enjoy your southwestern comfort feast!

Chicken Fajita Casserole Flavor Enhancers

• Flavor Boosters: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to intensify the fajita seasoning's depth and give the casserole a smoky kick.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shredded beef, pork, or plant-based alternatives like black beans or tofu for a delicious variation that suits different dietary preferences.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot tomatoes with chilies, or mix in fresh jalapeños for extra fire. Keep some sour cream or Greek yogurt on hand to cool things down.
• Veggie Power-Up: Toss in extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and add colorful texture. Roast these veggies beforehand for a more concentrated flavor profile.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs over the melted cheese for a crunchy finish that adds exciting texture to the creamy casserole.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Plating Ideas

• Fiesta Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and sliced jalapeños on top for a burst of color and extra flavor that adds brightness to the casserole.
• Creamy Cool Companions: Serve with a side of cool sour cream, fresh guacamole, or zesty salsa to balance the warm, cheesy casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Side Dish Delights: Pair with Mexican-style street corn, a crisp green salad, or warm flour tortillas to complete the meal and soak up the delicious sauce from the casserole.
• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange the casserole in the center of the table with colorful toppings around the edges, allowing guests to customize their own portions and create a fun, interactive dining experience.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Meal Prep Tips

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Seal leftovers in airtight containers within two hours after cooking, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing bacterial growth. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days when stored properly.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil, maintaining quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in microwave for 2-3 minutes, covering with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Oven method works perfectly at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, restoring crispy cheese topping and even heating.
• Portion Perfection: Divide casserole into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Home cooks will adore this chicken fajita casserole recipe that combines Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting, cheesy goodness. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a quick weeknight dinner you can easily prepare and enjoy with family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (950 mL) shredded cooked chicken (about 2 large breasts)
• 1 (8 oz/226 g) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)
• 2 cups (400 g) instant rice
• 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 mL) sour cream
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 (10 oz/283 g) can diced tomatoes with chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 ½ cups (360 mL) chicken broth
• 1 (1.12 oz/32 g) packet fajita seasoning (McCormick)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick coating to ensure easy release.
2. Create Flavor Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, raw rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onions, diced bell peppers, tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning, mixing until ingredients are fully integrated and evenly distributed.
3. Cheese Integration: Fold approximately half of the shredded cheese into the mixture, ensuring a uniform distribution that will provide pockets of melted goodness throughout the casserole.
4. Layer and Cover: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then tightly cover with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and promote consistent cooking.
5. Initial Baking Phase: Place in preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, allowing rice to become tender and absorb the flavorful liquid while maintaining a moist texture.
6. Final Cheese Topping: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese over the surface, and return to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling ingredients to set and flavors to meld before serving a comforting, cheesy dish.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Mix ingredients the night before and refrigerate to save time and enhance flavor melding.
• Liquid Balance Tip: Adjust chicken broth quantity based on rice type to prevent dryness or sogginess.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother, more even melting compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• Customization Option: Swap proteins like ground turkey or beef for varied taste profiles and dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg