Fajita Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-approved dinner? This Fajita Chicken Casserole is everything you love about chicken fajitas—juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, cheesy goodness—baked together in one easy dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a comfort meal that comes together fast.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- One-dish wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Fast and filling: Prepped in 15 minutes, feeds the whole family.
- Packed with protein: Great for a satisfying dinner or lunch leftovers.
- Customizable: Make it mild or spicy, low-carb or cheesy, as you like!
- Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead, freeze, and reheat any time.
Instructions: Step-by-Step
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a touch of oil.
2. Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Uncooked instant rice
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Frozen onion and pepper blend
- Undrained diced tomatoes with chilies
- Chicken broth
- Fajita seasoning
- Half of the shredded cheese
Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Assemble the Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly with a spoon or spatula.
4. Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
5. Add Cheese & Finish Baking
Remove foil. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and return to the oven.
Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Serving Ideas
- Top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or sour cream.
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad.
- Want extra heat? Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
Pro Tips
- Use instant rice only—regular rice won’t cook properly.
- Want it creamier? Add ½ cup of cream cheese to the mix.
- Swap chicken for cooked ground beef or leftover turkey.
- For a lower-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice (pre-cooked).
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: In the microwave or oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen?
Yes! Just sauté diced onions and bell peppers for a few minutes before mixing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy due to the RoTel and fajita seasoning. Use mild versions for a kid-friendly dish.
Save or Share This Recipe!
Pin it, print it, or share with a friend—this casserole is a weeknight staple you’ll come back to again and again. It’s comforting, cheesy, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavor.