The Ultimate Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe for Taco Tuesdays

Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering fajita chicken casserole that brings sizzling southwestern flavors right to your dinner table.

Packed with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a medley of spices, this dish captures the essence of classic Mexican cuisine.

Layers of melted cheese and perfectly seasoned ingredients create a harmonious blend that will delight your taste buds.

The casserole combines convenience with bold flavors, making weeknight meals both exciting and satisfying.

Each bite promises a burst of southwestern charm that transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Hearty, delicious, and simple to prepare, this recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible meal.

Fajita Chicken Casserole: Why It’s a Family Favorite

• Transform ordinary chicken into a zesty, satisfying casserole that brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort.
• Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this dish incredibly versatile and adaptable.
• Streamline your cooking process by combining all ingredients in a single baking dish, reducing prep time and cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.
• Create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Fajita Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A hearty protein that provides the main substance of the casserole.

• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the filling base that absorbs flavors and adds texture to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Create a rich and smooth foundation that holds the casserole together.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Diced Onion, Bell Pepper Blend: Provide fresh vegetable texture and a subtle aromatic base.
• Undrained Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Contribute zesty flavor and additional moisture.
• Fajita Seasoning: Infuses the dish with traditional southwestern spice and warmth.

• Shredded Cheese: Offers a melty, golden finish that adds richness and visual appeal to the casserole.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking in the baking dish.

Handy Tools for Easy Fajita Chicken Casserole Prep

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for mixing and baking the entire casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Oven mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dish.

Making Fajita Chicken Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Shredded chicken
• Uncooked rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Diced onions
• Bell pepper mix
• Undrained diced tomatoes with chilies
• Chicken broth
• Fajita seasoning
• Half of the shredded cheese

Stir everything until it’s beautifully blended and looks like a party in a bowl.

Step 3: Spread The Love

Pour the vibrant mixture into your prepared baking dish, making sure it’s spread out evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes.

Your kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 5: Cheese Topping Time

Pull the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining cheese all over the top.

This is where the magic happens.

Step 6: Final Cheese Melt

Pop the dish back into the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes so it can set.

Then dive in and savor every cheesy, spicy bite!

Tips for Juicy, Savory Fajita Chicken Casserole

• Add a dash of lime juice or sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a bright, zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Use long-grain rice and slightly reduce liquid to prevent mushy consistency and maintain perfect rice texture.
• Swap chicken with ground turkey or black beans for a different protein option that keeps the recipe versatile and diet-friendly.
• Adjust fajita seasoning based on heat preference – use mild for kids or add extra chili powder for a spicier version.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal solution.

Fajita Chicken Casserole: Tasty Twist Ideas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or quinoa for a protein-packed meatless version that's equally satisfying.
• Seafood Swap: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a coastal-inspired casserole that brings ocean flavors to the table.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, vegetable-forward dish.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, increase fajita seasoning, and top with fresh cilantro for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Creative Ways to Serve Fajita Chicken Casserole

• Mexican Fiesta Night: Transform your Fajita Chicken Casserole into a celebration of flavors!
• Fresh Garnish Paradise: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced jalapeños on top for a burst of color and zesty freshness.
• Creamy Sidekick Sensation: Serve with cool sour cream, smooth guacamole, or tangy salsa to complement the rich casserole and balance its warmth.
• Hearty Companion Crunch: Pair with crispy tortilla chips, warm corn tortillas, or a light side salad to add texture and complete the meal with Mexican-inspired flair.

Fajita Chicken Casserole: Smart Storage Solutions

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The fajita seasoning adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with chilies, or using a spice level you prefer in the fajita seasoning.

• Can I use different proteins?

Absolutely! You can substitute shredded chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian version. Just ensure the protein is cooked before mixing into the casserole.

• What if I don't have fajita seasoning?

No problem. You can make a quick substitute using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices in equal proportions to create your own fajita-style seasoning.

Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling fajita chicken casserole brings Tex-Mex comfort straight to dinner tables. Cheesy layers of seasoned chicken, peppers, and tortillas create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 cups (907 grams) shredded cooked chicken

Grains:

• 2 cups (336 grams) instant rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream
• 1 (8-ounce/227 grams) shredded Mexican blend cheese

Canned and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 (10.5-ounce/298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10-ounce/283 grams) can diced tomatoes with chilies, undrained
• 1 (1.12-ounce/32 grams) packet fajita seasoning

Vegetables and Liquid:

• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onions, bell peppers, tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and approximately half of the cheese until all ingredients are well integrated.
3. Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and ingredients to meld together.
5. After initial baking, carefully remove the dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Return the casserole to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly before serving to enhance flavor and ease of portioning.

Notes

• Boost Protein by adding black beans or quinoa for extra nutrition and texture.
• Customize Heat Level by adjusting fajita seasoning or using mild/hot salsa to match spice preferences.
• Make Gluten-Free easily by selecting gluten-free cream of chicken soup and checking seasoning labels.
• Prep Ahead works wonderfully – assemble casserole earlier and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg