Name: Fajita Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 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 Ro*Tel), undrained; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning; 1 (8-ounce) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

Looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner option that the whole family will love? Look no further than this mouthwatering Fajita Chicken Casserole recipe! Packed with savory flavors and simple to prepare, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation. With tender shredded chicken, zesty spices, and gooey melted cheese, each bite is a culinary delight. Plus, with just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish oven-ready in no time. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients:

4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts)

1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

2 cups instant rice

1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (like Ro*Tel), undrained

1(1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 (8-ounce) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen onion and bell pepper blend, diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Mix until well combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Bake the casserole for approximately 25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once done, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, if desired, for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Tips:

Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions over the top of the casserole before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Add Freshness: Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.

Pair with Sides: For a complete meal, serve the Fajita Chicken Casserole with warm flour tortillas or crispy tortilla chips on the side.

Customize Individual Portions: Set up a DIY toppings bar with options like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, salsa, and extra sour cream, allowing each person to customize their serving to their liking.

Make it a Meal: Turn leftovers into a hearty lunch by reheating individual portions and wrapping them in a large flour tortilla to create flavorful chicken fajita wraps.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, the casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: To freeze the casserole, portion it into individual servings or freeze the entire dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the container with the date. When properly stored, the casserole will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed to your liking. If the casserole seems dry after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to moisten it.

Avoid Freezer Burn: To prevent freezer burn, cover the surface of the casserole with a layer of plastic wrap before sealing the container with a lid. This will help create an additional barrier against air exposure.

Revive Flavor: If the flavors have mellowed during storage, freshen up the dish by adding a sprinkle of extra fajita seasoning or a squeeze of lime juice before reheating.

Related Recipes:

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

FAQs:

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this recipe?

Absolutely! While frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend offer convenience, you can substitute them with fresh ingredients. Simply dice one medium onion and one bell pepper (any color of your choice) and sauté them lightly before adding them to the casserole mixture.

Is there a substitute for instant rice?

If you prefer to use regular rice instead of instant, you can certainly do so. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid in the recipe. Instant rice cooks much faster than regular rice, so you may need to increase the baking time slightly and possibly add a bit more chicken broth to ensure that the rice cooks properly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This Fajita Chicken Casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the casserole from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature while the oven preheats, and then bake as directed in the recipe.

Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Absolutely! The spice level of this casserole can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a mild fajita seasoning or reduce the amount of diced tomatoes with chilies. Conversely, if you like it spicy, you can use a hot fajita seasoning or add extra diced jalapeños to the mixture. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking!

Conclusion:

With its irresistible combination of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and gooey cheese, this Fajita Chicken Casserole is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Plus, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this easy casserole recipe is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Give it a try tonight and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness!

📖 Recipe: