Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

Regular long-grain rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. If using regular rice, increase the chicken broth to 2 cups and expect to bake for 55-65 minutes. Check frequently for doneness and add more liquid if needed.

How can I make this casserole even quicker to prepare?

Use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, pre-shredded cheese, and pre-measured frozen vegetable blends. With these shortcuts, you can have this casserole in the oven in less than 10 minutes!

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?

Absolutely! Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and make your own fajita seasoning without salt. You can also rinse the diced tomatoes with chilies before adding them to reduce sodium further.

Can I prepare this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Yes! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, using the same order as the original recipe. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the rice is tender. Add the remaining cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2 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 Rotel), undrained; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning (I prefer McCormick); 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

This crowd-pleasing Chicken Fajita Casserole transforms all the vibrant flavors of your favorite Mexican dish into a comforting, no-fuss dinner that’s ready in under an hour. Tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of zesty spices come together in one baking dish, making this the ultimate weeknight solution when you’re craving something satisfying but short on time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Just mix, pour, and bake—no complicated steps or techniques required!
Family-Friendly: The familiar fajita flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, making dinnertime drama-free.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor absorption.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite veggies, or switch up the protein to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shredded Chicken: The star protein that makes this casserole hearty and satisfying. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves incredible time!
Instant Rice: A time-saving miracle that cooks perfectly in the casserole without pre-boiling, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich, creamy base that binds everything together and keeps the casserole from drying out.
Sour Cream: Adds a wonderful tangy creaminess that balances the spicy elements beautifully.
Frozen Onion and Bell Pepper Blend: These fajita essentials provide color, nutrition, and authentic flavor without the chopping!
Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Brings the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and heat—plus the liquid helps cook the rice.
Chicken Broth: Provides necessary moisture for cooking the rice while adding depth of flavor to the entire dish.
Fajita Seasoning: The magical blend that gives this casserole its distinctive fajita character—McCormick brand is particularly flavorful.
Mexican Blend Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, gooey topping that makes casseroles so comforting and crave-worthy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute the chicken with browned ground beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Shrimp works beautifully too—just add it raw to the mixture and it will cook perfectly during baking.

Rice Alternatives

Try using brown instant rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version (reduce the liquid by about 1/2 cup if using cauliflower rice).

Spice Adjustments

Kick up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. For milder palates, use mild Rotel tomatoes and add a bit more sour cream to cool things down.

Add-Ins

Fold in a can of black beans, corn kernels, or sliced black olives for additional texture and flavor dimensions.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen bell pepper and onion mix, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning packet, and half of your shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil—this is crucial for trapping steam that will cook the rice properly. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble around the edges.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Foil: The tight foil cover creates the steam needed to cook the rice properly—it’s essential for perfect texture.
Check for Doneness: Rice brands can vary, so check at the 35-minute mark by testing a few grains of rice for tenderness.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set up nicely for serving.
Prep Ahead: Mix all ingredients the night before, refrigerate, and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Cheese Strategy: Using half the cheese in the mixture and half on top gives you both even flavor throughout and that desirable melty top layer.

How to Serve

Perfect Toppings

Create a topping bar with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, extra sour cream, and pico de gallo. Let everyone customize their portion!

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. A side of Mexican street corn also makes a fantastic companion.

Serving Style

For a fun presentation, serve in warmed flour tortillas with a splash of hot sauce, essentially creating fajita-inspired burritos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve with a day of melding in the refrigerator!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare through the baking step, cool completely, then freeze (without the final cheese topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to revive the saucy texture. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes), adding the extra cheese during the last 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

Regular long-grain rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. If using regular rice, increase the chicken broth to 2 cups and expect to bake for 55-65 minutes. Check frequently for doneness and add more liquid if needed.
How can I make this casserole even quicker to prepare?

Use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, pre-shredded cheese, and pre-measured frozen vegetable blends. With these shortcuts, you can have this casserole in the oven in less than 10 minutes!
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?

Absolutely! Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and make your own fajita seasoning without salt. You can also rinse the diced tomatoes with chilies before adding them to reduce sodium further.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Yes! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, using the same order as the original recipe. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the rice is tender. Add the remaining cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fajita Casserole brings the vivid flavors of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. It’s one of those magical recipes that somehow tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for planned leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks, this casserole delivers reliably delicious results every time. Give it a try tonight—your future self will thank you when dinner’s ready with such little fuss!