Fajita Chicken Casserole: Your New Go-To for a Flavorful Family Fiesta!
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! When you’re craving the vibrant, zesty flavors of fajitas but want the effortless comfort of a casserole, get ready for an absolute game-changer. This Fajita Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution! Featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp-tender bell peppers and onions, fluffy rice, and plenty of gooey cheese, all seasoned with classic fajita spices, it’s a wonderfully creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying dish. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering here in Marion, South Carolina!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge advocate for meals that combine convenience with big, bold flavors, and this Fajita Chicken Casserole perfectly embodies that. What I particularly love about it is how it delivers all the deliciousness of fajitas – the smoky spice, the tender chicken, the sweet peppers and onions – but in an easy, baked form. The creamy sour cream and tangy salsa blend perfectly with the fajita seasoning, coating the chicken and rice in a luscious sauce. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken and comes together mostly in one bowl before baking, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and cheesy Fajita Chicken Casserole:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 bell pepper (any color, thinly sliced)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional, for seasoning chicken/veggies)
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or extra dollops of sour cream for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Leftover baked or grilled chicken breast works perfectly too.
- Fajita Seasoning: A store-bought packet is convenient, but you can also use your own homemade fajita seasoning blend.
- Bell Pepper & Onion: Any color bell pepper works. Thinly sliced onions are best.
- Cooked Rice: Using cooled, leftover cooked rice is ideal as it prevents the casserole from getting mushy. Brown rice can be used for a nuttier flavor.
- Cheese: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides great flavor and melt. Freshly shredded cheese always melts best! A Mexican cheese blend also works.
- Sour Cream & Salsa: These create the creamy, tangy binder for the casserole. Adjust salsa heat to your liking.
- Veggies (Optional): You can add corn kernels (canned or frozen/thawed), or black beans (rinsed and drained) for extra texture and nutrition.
Directions
Making this Fajita Chicken Casserole is incredibly simple – just sauté, mix, and bake for a delicious meal!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.
- Combine Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, fajita seasoning, sour cream, salsa, the sautéed bell pepper and onion, and half (1 cup) of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Mix everything very well until thoroughly combined and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer & Top: Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining half (1 cup) of the shredded cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. The casserole should be heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or an extra dollop of sour cream. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of tortilla chips for scooping or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success
- Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe incredibly fast.
- Cool Rice: Ensure your cooked rice is cooled before mixing it in to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Always opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: Sauté the bell pepper and onion until tender-crisp; they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own. It’s perfect for:
- Weeknight Dinners: Quick and easy comfort.
- Family Meals: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Potlucks: Great for feeding a crowd.
Serve it with classic Mexican sides:
- A side of tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for scooping.
- Guacamole or extra salsa.
- A simple green salad.
- A refreshing Pina Colada Smoothie for a tropical touch.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Fajita Chicken Casserole is fantastic! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through and bubbly, or microwave individual portions. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2-3 months (bake first, then cool and freeze); thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy goodness and vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors of this casserole, here are a few more fantastic savory recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:
- For another classic one-pan Mexican dish, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of quick and easy ways to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, don’t miss my These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
- For a fun, customizable, and no-fuss meal perfect for entertaining, my This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd is a fantastic choice.
- And for incredibly easy cheesy chicken bites, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are always a hit!
- For a different take on fajita flavor, check out my Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.
Final Thoughts
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a true weeknight hero – incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and easy to clean up! It’s perfect for bringing warmth and smiles to your dinner table with a delicious Mexican-inspired flair. Give it a try, and enjoy this fantastic one-dish wonder!
What’s your favorite casserole to make when you need an easy family dinner? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and inspiring recipes!
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