Description
This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, flavorful Mexican rice, and a creamy blend of cheeses and seasonings. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners and serves up to eight people with plenty of tasty leftovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced thin
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 cup green bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 ½ pounds cooked and shredded chicken (approximately 4 cups cooked)
- 3 cups Mexican rice, cooked as per package directions (such as a 6.4-ounce box of Rice-A-Roni Mexican rice)
- 21 ounces cream of chicken soup (two 10.5-ounce cans)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (one 1-ounce packet)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Salsa or pico de gallo
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375° F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Rice: Prepare the Mexican rice following the package directions carefully to ensure it is fluffy and flavorful.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked Mexican rice, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, fajita seasoning, sautéed peppers and onions, and one cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Offer optional toppings such as sour cream, avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, salsa, or pico de gallo to add extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from rotisserie or leftovers for convenience.
- Feel free to customize fajita seasoning with a homemade mix if preferred.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce if desired.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be doubled for larger gatherings using a larger baking dish and adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
