Fajita Chicken Casserole

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a delicious, Tex-Mex-inspired dish that combines the flavors of fajitas with the comfort of a creamy, cheesy casserole. It’s packed with shredded chicken, instant rice, diced vegetables, and a blend of spices, all baked to perfection under a layer of melted cheese. Perfect for weeknights, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser and makes great leftovers.

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 RoTel), undrained
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning (McCormick preferred)
• 1 (8-ounce) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend, diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with black beans or cooked, crumbled tofu, and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
• Add Vegetables: Add corn, zucchini, or sliced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for added spice.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for instant rice to lower the carb content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure the fajita seasoning is gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
   Yes, you can use fresh diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them briefly before adding to the mixture.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, prepare it fully, let it cool, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I use regular rice instead of instant?
   Yes, but make sure to cook it fully before adding, as regular rice takes longer to cook.
5. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
   You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade creamy sauce using broth and flour.
6. Can I add extra cheese?
   Absolutely! Sprinkle some extra cheese on top or mix some into the casserole mixture for extra creaminess.
7. What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
   Leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavor.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar can work well in place of Mexican blend cheese.
9. How can I make this casserole spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a bit of cayenne pepper to the casserole mixture.
10. What side dishes go well with this casserole?
    Serve with a side of guacamole, salsa, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

This Fajita Chicken Casserole combines everything you love about fajitas in a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying casserole that’s quick to prepare and perfect for family meals. With easy-to-find ingredients and flexible variations, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this casserole is bound to become a household favorite.

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