This Chicken Fajita Casserole is everything you love about sizzling fajitas—tender chicken, bold spices, and melty cheese—baked into a warm, bubbling casserole. It’s a comfort food classic with a Tex-Mex twist that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with creamy, cheesy flavor and a punch of fajita seasoning, this dish is simple to prep and loaded with layers of taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes in a single pan—minimal mess, maximum flavor.
Bold Fajita Flavor: All the spices and fixings of fajitas, no skillet needed.
Creamy & Cheesy: Sour cream and cheese take it to next-level comfort food.
Make-Ahead Magic: Mix ahead and bake when ready.
Feeds a Crowd: Serves 8 hearty portions—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2 large breasts)
- 2 cups instant rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (1.12 oz) packet fajita seasoning (McCormick recommended)
- 1 (8 oz) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2️⃣ Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Uncooked instant rice
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Frozen onion & bell pepper blend
- Diced tomatoes with chilies (with juice)
- Chicken broth
- Fajita seasoning
- Half of the shredded cheese
Stir until everything is well blended.
3️⃣ Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4️⃣ Add Cheese and Finish
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and return to the oven. Bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 426
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 21g
- Sodium: 1031mg
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen?
Yes! Just dice bell peppers and onions and sauté lightly before mixing in.
2. Can I substitute the soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery work well if you prefer a different base.
3. Is it spicy?
Mild to medium. For more heat, add a chopped jalapeño or use hot Rotel.
4. What kind of rice should I use?
Only instant rice—regular rice won’t fully cook in the same timeframe.
5. Can I add beans or corn?
Absolutely! Black beans, corn, or even cooked zucchini make great add-ins.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavor-packed family favorite that’s weeknight easy and crowd-pleasing delicious. Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with Tex-Mex flair, it’s a simple one-dish meal that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a table full of guests, this casserole is always a win.