5-Star Fajita Chicken Casserole That’ll Wow Your Family

There’s just something magical about an Irresistible Fajita Chicken Casserole coming out of the oven. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—but best of all? It’s wildly easy. This recipe is my go-to when the fridge is looking a little sad, the kids are hangry, and I need a win. Toss everything into one big bowl, stir, bake, done. It’s like fajita night and casserole night fell in love and had a baby—one you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s bold and creamy, thanks to sour cream and cream of chicken soup, but also zesty from the fajita seasoning and RoTel. Bonus: no need to cook the rice ahead of time. I mean… can we get an amen?

Let’s dive into the deliciousness, shall we?

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Why You’ll Love This Fajita Chicken Casserole

• One dish wonder – fewer dishes, more chill.
• Instant comfort – warm, cheesy, and family-approved.
• Customizable – toss in black beans, corn, or even jalapeños.
• Meal-prep friendly – holds up great in the fridge and freezer.
• Satisfies picky eaters – even my veggie-averse toddler devours this.

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Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts)
• 2 cups uncooked instant rice
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like RoTel), undrained
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 packet (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep
   Set your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Good Stuff
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, soup, sour cream, frozen onion-pepper blend, RoTel, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half the cheese. Stir until everything’s cozy and well mixed.
3. Spread & Bake Covered
   Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
4. Top with Cheese & Bake Again
   Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes—until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Fajita Chicken Casserole

• Don’t skip the foil – It locks in moisture so the rice cooks perfectly.
• Use rotisserie chicken – A massive time-saver and full of flavor.
• Want it spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or swap in pepper jack cheese.
• Fresh toppings – Try sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of lime crema after baking.

For extra inspiration, check out Bon Appétit’s guide to Tex-Mex flavors.

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Bake It With the Littles

Get the kids involved! Mine love:

• Sprinkling the cheese (and snacking on it).
• Dumping ingredients into the bowl.
• Mixing it all up with a big wooden spoon.

This is a great way to introduce basic kitchen skills without the stress of stovetop cooking.

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Meal-Prep Magic

• Make Ahead: Mix everything (except cheese topping) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze: Assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 4–5 days.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
• Sub brown instant rice for white for more fiber.
• Try Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for extra protein.
• Swap the cream of chicken for a homemade version like this one from Allrecipes: Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute

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Leftover Remix

Don’t let even a spoonful go to waste:

• Stuffed peppers – Fill halved bell peppers with leftovers, top with cheese, and bake.
• Quesadilla filler – Just add tortillas and more cheese.
• Nacho topping – Spoon over tortilla chips, add jalapeños and bake.

For more ideas, check out The Kitchn’s list of creative casserole leftovers.

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Gift It Like a Pro

Delivering dinner to a friend with a new baby or recovering from surgery? This casserole is a dream. Layer everything in a disposable foil tray, include baking instructions, and maybe throw in a bag of tortilla chips or a cute handwritten note.

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FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of instant?
Not recommended—the texture and cook time won’t work. Stick to instant for best results.

What’s a good vegetarian alternative?
Swap the chicken for black beans and corn, and use cream of mushroom soup instead.

Is it spicy?
It’s mild with a kick. To tone it down, use mild RoTel and low-sodium fajita seasoning.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use two 9×13 dishes or one large deep roasting pan. Add 5–10 extra minutes of bake time.

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Final Thought

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is the answer to your “what’s for dinner?” panic. It’s quick, hearty, and the kind of comfort food that brings the whole family to the table—no begging required. Whether you’re juggling dance practice, Zoom meetings, or just trying to keep the toddler from painting the dog, this casserole has your back.

If you loved this, check out my Cheesy Chicken Dorito Bake or spice things up with Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad—perfect for leftovers and lunchboxes alike.

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