Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake – Easy One-Dish Meal

What if you could enjoy all the bold, zesty flavors of chicken fajitas in a comforting casserole form?
This Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful peppers, spicy seasoning, and melty cheese in an easy, satisfying dish.

It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.

Why This Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake Is a Must-Try

This casserole is loaded with the bold flavors of fajitas but without the need for stovetop cooking or tortillas.
Everything bakes together in one dish—protein, rice, veggies, and cheese—making it a complete meal.

Prep time is about 15 minutes.
Bake time is 45 minutes.
In just about an hour, you have a hot, bubbly, satisfying casserole ready to serve.

Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or casual family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Components

• 4 cups (approximately 600 grams) shredded cooked chicken breast
• 2 cups (370 grams) uncooked instant white rice
• 1 can (298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 grams) sour cream
• 1 cup (140 grams) frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 can (284 grams) diced tomatoes with chilies, undrained
• 360 milliliters chicken broth
• 1 packet (32 grams) fajita seasoning
• 1 bag (227 grams) shredded Mexican-style cheese blend

Ingredient Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut to shredded chicken.
• Instant rice ensures the casserole cooks evenly without becoming mushy.
• Frozen pepper and onion blends save prep time but you can also use fresh diced peppers and onions if preferred.
• The diced tomatoes with chilies add a zesty kick, but you can swap for regular diced tomatoes if you prefer milder heat.
• A Mexican-style cheese blend melts beautifully and adds authentic flavor, but feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.

Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes with chilies and adjusting the fajita seasoning to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) ovenproof dish with nonstick cooking spray.
This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded Mexican cheese blend.

Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the prepared mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
Use a spatula to smooth the surface for even cooking and a neat finish.

4. First Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld.

5. Add More Cheese and Finish Baking
After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden brown.

6. Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
This helps the rice finish setting and makes serving easier.

How to Serve It Perfectly

This Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake is a meal on its own, but you can round it out with a few simple sides and garnishes.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado for fresh flavor
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
• Add tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy contrast

Perfect for casual family meals or as a hearty dish at a gathering.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store leftovers
Let the casserole cool completely.
Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven until heated through.

To freeze
Assemble the casserole but do not bake.
Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Make-ahead tip
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the initial baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Recipe Variations

1. Fajita Chicken and Black Bean Casserole
Add 1 cup of drained black beans to the mix for extra fiber and protein.

2. Low-Carb Fajita Chicken Bake
Omit the rice and reduce the broth by half.
Increase the veggies and add more chicken for a keto-friendly version.

3. Veggie-Packed Casserole
Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole for more vegetables and color.

These variations allow you to adapt the casserole to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing, Flavor-Packed Favorite

Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist.
It’s rich, hearty, full of bold flavors, and easy enough for any night of the week.

With tender chicken, flavorful rice, spicy seasoning, and lots of melty cheese, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Make it once, and it will quickly become one of your go-to casserole recipes.

Have you made it? Share your favorite twists and toppings in the comments below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Not for this recipe. Brown rice takes longer to cook and would not fully soften without pre-cooking.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used for a different flavor profile.

How do I make it spicier?
Use hot diced tomatoes with chilies and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Instant rice is designed to cook quickly with the liquid in the casserole.
Pre-cooked rice would likely become mushy.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese substitutes, and choose a dairy-free cream soup.