Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that brings all the best fajita ingredients into one comforting dish. With tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and a cheesy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

A close-up view of a creamy casserole being scooped with a utensil from a blue baking dish. The casserole has multiple layers, starting with a base of rice mixed with small pieces of light-colored meat and diced red and green peppers. Melted cheese with a yellow and white swirl covers the top, stretching slightly as the scoop lifts. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled across the cheese, adding a touch of freshness. The dish sits on a red textured cloth against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken (thinly sliced)
  • 2 bell peppers (thinly sliced)
  • 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
  2. Step 2: Toss together chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and fajita seasoning until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Cook the chicken mixture for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and the vegetables start to soften. They do not need to cook completely through.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, mix together cooked rice, sour cream, and salsa until well blended. Add the chicken mixture and stir until combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into a 13×9 inch casserole dish. Top evenly with shredded cheese.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is cooked through and hot. Remove from oven and serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for extra flavor and meltiness.
  • Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
  • Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrients.
  • Serve with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, add extra cheese on top before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked casserole in a white baking dish with blue handles, filled with layers that include rice mixed with bits of red and green bell peppers and chicken pieces, topped with a glossy layer of melted yellow and white cheese. Scattered chopped green herbs are sprinkled across the top, adding a fresh touch. The melted cheese layer is creamy and slightly browned around the edges, with some rice and chicken pieces visible beneath the surface. The dish rests on a colorful woven cloth, all set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before slicing and cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

Is this casserole freezer friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Print
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Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious and hearty one-dish meal combining tender sautéed chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions with creamy sour cream and zesty salsa, all layered with fluffy rice and melted cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it brings the vibrant flavors of fajitas into a comforting baked casserole.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 1 pound chicken, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning

Rice Mixture

  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the casserole evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Combine chicken and veggies: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken, bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning until everything is coated well.
  3. Sauté the mixture: Heat a large skillet over high heat and cook the chicken and vegetable mixture for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and the vegetables begin to soften. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. Mix the rice base: In another large bowl, combine the cooked white rice with sour cream and salsa until evenly mixed. Then add the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture and fold until everything is well combined.
  5. Assemble and bake: Pour the entire mixture into a 13×9 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Optionally, add your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, or diced avocado for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can swap the white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier or low-carb option.
  • Use a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese for richer flavor and meltiness.
  • To make this dish spicier, incorporate jalapeños or a spicier salsa.
  • This casserole stores well for leftovers and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
  • For a creamier texture, add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream to the rice mixture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, fajita casserole, baked chicken fajitas, easy casserole recipe, Mexican casserole, cheesy chicken casserole

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