Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake

If you’re after a cozy, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, this Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake is calling your name. It brings all the sizzling goodness of chicken fajitas into one creamy, cheesy, bake-and-serve dish—no skillet flipping or tortilla wrapping required. Just mix everything in a single bowl, bake it in one dish, and dinner’s done. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor.

Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd on a weeknight, this one’s a guaranteed win.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
• All-in-one dinner—no side dishes required (unless you want one!)
• Family-friendly comfort food with bold, craveable flavor
• Perfect for leftovers or make-ahead meals

I created this recipe during one of those weeks when time was tight and energy was low—but the craving for Mexican flavors was strong. Now it’s in the regular dinner rotation, and I always keep the ingredients on hand for those “what’s for dinner?” nights.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 2 cups uncooked instant white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen diced onions and bell peppers
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (360 ml)
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend, divided

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your casserole dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This keeps cleanup easy and helps those cheesy edges stay intact.

2. Mix it all together

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, soup, sour cream, frozen veggies, diced tomatoes with chilies (juice and all), chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half the cheese. Stir until well mixed.

3. Transfer to baking dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Make sure the rice is covered in liquid so it cooks properly.

4. Bake (covered)

Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and absorb all that delicious flavor.

5. Add the cheesy topping

Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

6. Let it rest

Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This helps the rice set and the flavors settle.

Pro Tips

• Let it rest: That 5-minute pause after baking makes slicing and serving easier—and tastier.
• Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a time-saver and adds great flavor.
• Grate your own cheese: It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded (which has anti-caking agents).
• Make it ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate—just bake as usual, adding 5–10 minutes for chilled ingredients.

Smart Substitutions

• Brown rice: Swap in instant brown rice and add ¼ cup more broth.
• Lactose-free: Use lactose-free sour cream and cheese with great results.
• Leftover turkey: A great stand-in for chicken—especially after the holidays.
• Add heat: Mix in a diced jalapeño, use spicy fajita seasoning, or top with hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough on its own, but here are a few easy extras to complete the meal:

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Fresh lime wedges
• Extra sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• A simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Warm, crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side

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Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

• Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole (unbaked), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• Freeze it: Let the fully baked casserole cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQ

→ Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen?
Yes! Just dice and lightly sauté them before mixing to keep the texture just right.

→ Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely. Use homemade creamy chicken soup, cream of mushroom, or even a plain white sauce.

→ Is it spicy?
It has a mild kick, thanks to the tomatoes and fajita seasoning. To amp up the heat, add jalapeños or a spicy seasoning blend.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives. The flavor and texture may vary slightly but still taste great.

This Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of—easy, hearty, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your meal plan!

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