Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake

This fajita chicken casserole brings together all the vibrant flavors of classic fajitas in a convenient baked dish. The combination of tender shredded chicken, Mexican spices, and melty cheese creates a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

I started making this casserole during a particularly hectic month when I needed dinner solutions that could feed my family for multiple meals. Now it's requested at least twice a month, especially when we're craving Mexican flavors without the fuss of traditional fajitas.

Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken breast: Provides lean protein and hearty texture. Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Instant rice: Ensures the casserole cooks quickly without requiring pre-cooking. The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors as it bakes.
• Cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy base that binds everything together. Look for low sodium varieties if watching salt intake.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess. Full fat works best for texture, but light can be substituted.
• Frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend: Saves chopping time while adding classic fajita flavors. Fresh can be used but requires additional prep.
• Canned diced tomatoes with chilies: Provide moisture and a mild heat. The Rotel brand works perfectly here.
• Chicken broth: Ensures the rice cooks properly. Use low sodium for better control of the overall seasoning.
• Fajita seasoning mix: Infuses authentic Mexican flavor throughout. Look for varieties without MSG if preferred.
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Creates that irresistible melty topping. Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare baking dish:

Take a moment to thoroughly grease your 33x23 cm casserole dish with nonstick spray. This prevents any sticking and makes serving and cleanup much easier. Make sure to coat the sides as well as the bottom.

Combine all ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen vegetable blend, undrained tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of your cheese. Mix everything very thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning and liquid components are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for consistent flavor throughout the casserole.

Transfer to baking dish:

Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly from corner to corner. Take time to smooth the top so it cooks uniformly. Press down slightly to eliminate any air pockets which could cause uneven cooking.

Initial bake:

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure to seal the edges well. This traps steam that properly cooks the rice. Place in your preheated 175°C oven and bake for exactly 35 minutes. The foil covering prevents the top from drying out while the ingredients meld together.

Add cheese topping:

Carefully remove the hot dish from the oven and peel back the foil. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly across the entire surface of the casserole. The residual heat will begin melting the cheese immediately.

Final bake:

Return the now uncovered dish to the oven for 10 more minutes. This final baking period allows the cheese to melt completely and develop those desirable golden brown spots. Watch closely during the last few minutes to achieve your preferred level of browning.

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The fajita seasoning truly makes this dish special. I discovered early on that adding the full packet creates the perfect balance of spice without being overwhelming. My daughter who usually avoids spicy foods happily enjoys this casserole, which makes it a true family favorite in our house.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, portion the casserole into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then microwave until heated through, about 2 minutes per serving. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 175°C for 20 minutes or until the center reaches 74°C.

Easy Variations

Transform this versatile casserole to suit your preferences or pantry inventory. Substitute ground beef or turkey for chicken, preparing it with the fajita seasoning before adding to the mix. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with two cans of drained black beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking. For a fresher finish, top with diced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

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Make It A Complete Meal

Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a restaurant-style experience, offer bowls of traditional fajita toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and sour cream for guests to customize their portions. Warm flour tortillas make an excellent accompaniment, allowing everyone to create fajita wraps with the casserole filling. For a fun presentation, serve with tortilla chips arranged around the edge of the platter for scooping.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute fresh diced onions and bell peppers for the frozen blend. Sauté them lightly before mixing for added flavor.

→ What can I use instead of instant rice?

If instant rice isn't available, you can use pre-cooked regular rice. Make sure it's fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it as directed when ready to serve.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

For more spice, add extra diced chilies, a dash of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the mixture before baking.

→ What cheeses work well as substitutes for the Mexican blend?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese would work beautifully as alternative options for the Mexican blend cheese.