Fajita Chicken Casserole: A Flavorful, Easy Weeknight Dinner

Photo byrecipes on a budget

When you're in the mood for a meal that brings bold flavors with little fuss, nothing beats a Fajita Chicken Casserole. This dish combines the savory essence of fajitas with the comfort of a baked casserole, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and a hit for families and gatherings alike.

A Hearty, Flavorful Dish

Imagine the best parts of fajitas — tender chicken, sautéed peppers, zesty spices — all baked into a cheesy, creamy casserole that’s as delicious as it is simple to make. The Fajita Chicken Casserole blends the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a one-dish meal. The shredded chicken, seasoned with a fajita spice blend, mixes perfectly with rice, tomatoes, chilies, and a creamy layer of cheese, creating a comforting meal that feels like a fiesta on your plate.

Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this casserole can be thrown together quickly and baked while you relax. Plus, it's versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients or served with classic sides like tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad.

Recipe: Fajita Chicken Casserole

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 Ro*Tel), undrained
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning (such as McCormick)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 8 ounces)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend, diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything until fully combined.
3. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until it is heated through and the rice is fully cooked.
5. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This Fajita Chicken Casserole offers the best of both worlds: the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican fajitas and the creamy, comforting satisfaction of a baked casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, and it’s a sure-fire way to get the whole family excited about dinner. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of salsa for an added burst of flavor, and watch it disappear from the table!

Here are some reliable sources for the Fajita Chicken Casserole recipe that includes ingredients like McCormick's fajita seasoning mix, Ro*Tel tomatoes, and cream of chicken soup:

1. McCormick Fajita Seasoning Mix: This classic seasoning mix offers a blend of cumin, chili pepper, garlic, and oregano, which gives the dish its signature fajita flavor. The 1.12-ounce packet is ideal for seasoning the chicken in the casserole. More details and purchasing options can be found on McCormick's official site​(McCormick)​(McCormick).
2. Ro*Tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: The 10-ounce can of Ro*Tel adds a spicy kick to the casserole with its mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies. You can explore recipe ideas and purchase options on Ro*Tel's recipe page​(McCormick).
3. Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup: This versatile soup adds the creamy texture to the casserole, binding all the ingredients together. You can find more information on this product at Campbell's website​(Walmart.com).

These sources provide further details and purchasing information for the key ingredients, ensuring your Fajita Chicken Casserole is flavorful and easy to make.