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Fajita chicken casserole bake in a 9x13 dish with melted Mexican cheese blend bubbling on top fresh from the oven

Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake

A hearty one-dish fajita chicken casserole bake made with shredded chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, and bold fajita seasoning, topped with melted Mexican cheese. Ready in one hour with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast rotisserie chicken works great
  • 2 cups uncooked instant white rice instant rice only, not regular long-grain
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup 1 can
  • 1 cup sour cream full-fat recommended
  • 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
  • 10 oz diced tomatoes with chilies 1 can, undrained
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 oz fajita seasoning packet 1 standard packet
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend divided, room temperature preferred for better melting

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch ovenproof baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch ovenproof baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen onion and pepper blend, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until fully and evenly combined. The mixture will look loose and soupy, which is normal.
  3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula, smoothing all the way to the edges.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  5. Remove foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes, until cheese is fully melted and bubbling at the edges. Tent loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Check that internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.

Notes

Use instant rice only. Do not drain the canned tomatoes. Add jalapenos or cayenne for extra heat. Black beans can be stirred in for added fiber. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Add a splash of broth before reheating to keep rice moist.