Flavorful Fajita Casserole

This cheesy fajita chicken bake tosses together bold Tex-Mex flavors with cozy casserole vibes. The rice bakes up full of savory spices, soaking up every bit of goodness for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish.

I came up with this dish in the middle of a crazy busy month. My family needed something filling, I needed easy, and the whole thing just came together. Now, whenever we want those Mexican flavors but I'm super short on time, this is an easy favorite.

Delicious Ingredients

• 1 packet fajita seasoning is what brings everything together and makes it taste like real fajitas at your favorite spot
• 360 ml chicken broth keeps the rice fluffy and adds tons of flavor as it cooks
• 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend is a shortcut to that classic veggie mix, no chopping needed
• 1 bag shredded Mexican style cheese blend for loads of melty, gooey goodness
• 1 can diced tomatoes with chilies packs in a little kick with bright tomato flavor, no draining required
• 1 cup sour cream is the creamy secret that gives this dish a tangy, smooth finish
• 2 cups uncooked instant white rice cooks right in the pan so you skip an extra step
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast fills you up and makes this dish a main event
• 1 can cream of chicken soup ties it all together for maximum creaminess with no fuss

Easy Instructions

Top It Off With More Cheese

Sprinkle the rest of the cheese straight across the top. The baked casserole will help it melt fast and form that delicious golden top layer.

Finish Baking

Let it go back in the oven with nothing covering it. Bake about another 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and just starts to brown on the edges. You want it ooey-gooey on top.

Prep Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9x13 dish with some nonstick spray. This helps make cleanup easy later and keeps things from sticking when you serve.

Mix Everything Together

Use a big bowl to toss together chicken, instant rice, soup, sour cream, veggies, tomatoes with their juices, broth, fajita seasoning, and half your cheese. Stir really well to get everything coated and help the flavors go everywhere. Doing this helps the rice cook just right later.

Bake Covered At First

Cover your dish tightly with foil to trap in steam. Bake at 175°C for about 35 minutes to help the rice get perfectly tender while soaking up flavor.

Pour Into The Dish

Dump the whole mixture right into your baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out so the rice is under the liquid for even cooking.

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The real trick here is using the store-bought fajita seasoning. I've mixed my own before, but it just doesn't pop with that iconic flavor. The packets are magic and give you that fun restaurant vibe every time.

Plan-Ahead Tips

This one’s perfect to make early. You can get everything together in the pan, cover it well, and stash in the fridge for up to a day. When you bake it cold, remember to tack on about 10 extra minutes so everything warms through. I love to do this on a quiet Sunday, so a busy weeknight dinner's already set.

Fun Ways To Serve

This bake stands on its own, but I usually put out extras for topping. Try putting out bowls with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, extra sour cream or salsa on the side. For something fresh, toss together a simple green salad with cucumber and vinaigrette to balance out the creamy main dish.

Handy Swaps

Don’t worry if you’re missing something – it’s easy to swap ingredients. Leftover turkey works instead of chicken. Instant brown rice is fine; just pour in an extra splash of broth. If you can’t have lactose, go for lactose-free cheese or sour cream. Want heat? Toss in a chopped jalapeño or grab a spicy fajita seasoning mix.

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Common Queries

→ Can I swap out white rice for brown?

For sure! Just know that brown rice needs more liquid and time to cook compared to instant white rice.

→ Is it okay to use fresh veggies instead of frozen ones?

Definitely! Fresh-cut bell peppers and onions work great. Just sauté them a little first before mixing in.

→ How do I make this dish spicier?

If you like it hot, throw in some diced jalapeños, spicy fajita seasoning, or even a few chilies while cooking.

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yep! Assemble it, cover tightly, and stick it in the fridge. Pop it in the oven when you're ready but add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time.

→ What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

Homemade creamy chicken soup, cream of mushroom, or a lighter yogurt-based sauce all work just as well.