The Ultimate Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Chicken fajita casserole brings sizzling southwestern comfort right to your dinner table with its vibrant, zesty flavors.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish enhances classic fajita ingredients into a one-pan marvel that simplifies mealtime.

Layers of tender proteins merge seamlessly with colorful vegetables and robust seasonings, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Bold spices dance through each bite, promising a culinary journey that feels both familiar and exciting.

The casserole format eliminates the need for complex preparation while maintaining the authentic taste profile of traditional fajitas.

Families and friends will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing depth of flavor.

Dive into a crowd-pleasing dinner that guarantees smiles and second helpings.

Why Chicken Fajita Casserole Is a One-Dish Wonder

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This casserole packs all the vibrant flavors of fajitas into a single, easy-to-prepare dish that transforms hectic evenings into stress-free meal times.
• One-Pot Wonder Comfort: Combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty fajita seasoning creates a hearty, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Customize Family Favorite: Packed with colorful bell peppers and adaptable ingredients, this recipe welcomes personalization while keeping kids and adults equally excited about dinnertime.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser Potential: With just 15 minutes of prep and under an hour of cooking, this casserole delivers restaurant-inspired flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: Juicy shredded meat as the main protein, best when freshly cooked and tender.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the casserole.

• Sour Cream: Creamy component that adds tang and richness.
• Mexican Blend Cheese: Melty cheese topping with a mix of flavors, provides great texture and color.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients together.
• Fajita Seasoning: Signature spice blend that gives authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Adds zesty kick and moisture to the dish.
• Frozen Onion and Bell Pepper Blend: Convenient mix of vegetables that provide classic fajita flavor.

• Instant Rice: Quick-cooking base that absorbs flavors and provides hearty texture.

How to Layer and Bake Chicken Fajita Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Uncooked rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Fajita seasoning
• Half of the shredded cheese

Stir all ingredients until well blended and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Transfer and Cover

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

Remove the casserole from the oven. Uncover and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.

Tips to Lock in Flavor in Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Slice Chicken Strategically: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
• Boost Rice Absorption: Rinse uncooked rice before adding to remove excess starch, helping it absorb seasonings and liquids more effectively.
• Layer Cheese Wisely: Reserve some cheese for the final topping to create a golden, crispy top layer that adds delicious texture and visual appeal.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust fajita seasoning or add extra chilies to match your preferred heat intensity, making the casserole perfectly suited to your taste.
• Rest and Settle: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps ingredients set and makes serving easier and more manageable.

How to Reheat Chicken Fajita Casserole Without Drying

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with the date.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore original creamy texture.

What to Serve with Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the spicy fajita flavors with a classic margarita, balancing the dish's richness with tangy lime and tequila notes.
• Serve alongside Fresh Avocado Salad: Create a light, crisp side that cuts through the casserole's creamy texture, adding fresh green elements to the meal.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a cold beer like Corona or Modelo to refresh the palate and enhance the dish's southwestern profile, providing a perfect flavor counterpoint.
• Garnish with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream: Drizzle a homemade sauce on top to elevate the casserole's taste, adding a bright, creamy element that ties all flavors together.

Ways to Add a Twist to Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or using hot salsa instead of mild tomatoes with chilies. Sprinkle extra cayenne pepper into the fajita seasoning for a fiery flavor boost.
• Veggie-Loaded Chicken Bake: Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, and spinach to increase nutrition and texture. Use brown rice for added fiber and a nutty undertone.
• Tex-Mex Quinoa Fusion: Swap rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative. Mix in black beans and use pepper jack cheese for a more robust southwestern profile.
• Mediterranean Chicken Casserole: Replace fajita seasoning with oregano and garlic. Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to create a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chicken fajita casserole brings Tex-Mex comfort to dinner tables with layers of zesty flavors and cheesy goodness. Spicy chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that will make diners crave seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2 large breasts)
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

Starches and Grains:

• 2 cups instant rice
• 1 (10.5-ounces) can cream of chicken soup

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 (10-ounces) can diced tomatoes with chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (1.12-ounces) packet fajita seasoning (McCormick)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine shredded chicken, raw rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onions, diced bell peppers, tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning in a large mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate approximately half of the shredded cheese into the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
4. Transfer the combined ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and has absorbed the liquid.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover the foil.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a melty, golden layer.
9. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to completely melt and become slightly bubbly.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Quick comfort food that transforms traditional fajita flavors into a hearty casserole.
• Combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty seasonings in one easy dish.
• Perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal preparation effort.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg