Description
This creamy Tex-Mex casserole combines shredded chicken, rice, peppers, onions, Rotel tomatoes, and melted cheese into one easy comfort food dinner. It’s packed with fajita flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Instant rice
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Frozen diced onions and bell peppers
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies
- Chicken broth
- Fajita seasoning
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lightly coat a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to help prevent sticking during baking.
- Set the prepared baking dish aside.
- Combine the Casserole Ingredients
- In a very large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen onion and bell pepper blend, diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and about half of the shredded cheese.
- Stir everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients become evenly combined.
- Make sure the rice gets fully coated in the liquid mixture so it cooks evenly in the oven.
- Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Spread it evenly from edge to edge using a spoon or spatula so the casserole bakes uniformly.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to help trap steam and soften the rice during baking.
- Bake the Casserole
- Place the covered casserole dish into the oven.
- Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and fully cooked.
- Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the oven and the exact rice used.
- Check the center of the casserole to ensure the rice has softened completely before moving to the next step.
- Add the Remaining Cheese
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly across the entire top of the casserole.
- Return the dish to the oven uncovered for a few additional minutes until the cheese melts fully and becomes hot and bubbly.
- Serve Warm
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving.
- Scoop the Chicken Fajita Casserole onto plates and garnish with toppings like avocado, salsa, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken makes preparation much faster.
- Instant rice works best for the cooking time in this recipe.
- Pepper jack cheese adds extra spice and flavor.
- Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner