Cheesy Fajita Chicken Casserole | Easy Family Dinner

The moment this cheesy Fajita Chicken Casserole comes bubbling out of the oven, you’ll know you’ve found your new weeknight hero. Imagine the aroma of roasted bell peppers and onions mingling with creamy chicken and melted Mexican-blend cheese—pure comfort with a Tex-Mex kick. Every forkful combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, tangy tomatoes with green chilies, and that irresistible layer of gooey, golden cheese on top.

I first created this dish on a chilly Sunday when I needed something hearty but effortless. It’s become our family’s “everyone’s-coming-over” meal—easy enough for busy nights yet impressive enough for guests. If you’ve been craving an easy chicken fajita casserole, a creamy Mexican-style dinner, or the best cheesy comfort bake, this recipe delivers. So grab your baking dish and let’s make the magic happen!

What Makes This So Irresistible

• Quick & easy – Only 10 minutes of prep, then the oven does the work.
• Family-approved flavor – Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with fajita-style spices.
• One-dish wonder – Fewer dishes to wash, more time to enjoy dinner.
• Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and leftover chicken.
• Customizable heat – Go mild or spicy depending on your seasoning blend.
• Meal-prep ready – Freezes and reheats beautifully for busy weeks.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Fajita Chicken Casserole

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts)
• 2 cups instant rice, uncooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 packet (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
• Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

• 9 × 13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Optional Homemade Fajita Seasoning

(Use 1 ½ tablespoons for this recipe)

• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
  Mix and store in a small jar for up to 6 months.

How to Make Cheesy Fajita Chicken Casserole – Step by Step

Step 1 – Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.

Step 2 – Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion-pepper blend, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning until evenly mixed.

Step 3 – Layer and Bake

Transfer the mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and the rice is tender.

Step 4 – Finish with Cheese

Remove from oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Let it melt for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5 – Serve and Garnish

Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions, and serve with salsa and a dollop of sour cream.

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets

1. Use rotisserie chicken for speed and rich flavor.
2. Instant rice is key – regular rice won’t fully cook in the oven.
3. Don’t drain the tomatoes – their juice helps hydrate the rice.
4. Adjust spice level by halving or doubling the fajita seasoning.
5. Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
6. Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
7. Make ahead – assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
8. Reheat covered to keep it moist; uncover for the final 5 minutes to crisp the top.
9. Use a glass baking dish for even heat and easy cleanup.
10. Top with jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Variations & Substitutions

• Low-carb option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice and reduce broth to 1 cup.
• Gluten-free: Use a GF cream of chicken soup and seasoning mix.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with black beans and extra peppers.
• Extra-cheesy: Mix ½ cup cream cheese into the base.
• Spicy Tex-Mex: Add 1 tsp chipotle powder or hot sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Fajita Chicken Casserole

• With warm flour tortillas and fresh lime wedges.
• Alongside a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn.
• As a potluck main dish – it travels well and feeds a crowd.
• With tortilla chips for a fun dip-style presentation.
• Add a side of refried beans for extra heartiness.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 430 | Protein: 28 g | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Fat: 18 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sodium: 720 mg

Storage & Reheating Guide

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave single servings for 2–3 minutes.
• Avoid dryness: Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the texture creamy.

Kitchen Questions, Solved

1. Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but par-cook it for 15 minutes first since it needs a longer bake time.

2. Is this casserole spicy?
Mild to medium; choose a mild fajita seasoning if you prefer less heat.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day; bake when ready.

4. What sides go well with it?
Try Mexican corn, avocado salad, or simple sautéed zucchini.

5. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s perfect for saving time and adds depth of flavor.

Delicious Inspirations for Next Time

• Ginger Chicken and Rice Soup | Comfort Food Recipe
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bake – Easy Family Dinner
• Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash | Easy Dinner Idea
• Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you know exactly how to make the best Cheesy Fajita Chicken Casserole—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor in just 40 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles (and maybe seconds).

If you try this recipe, share your twist in the comments or tag it online so other home cooks can find it too. Keep Cooking with Us for more easy, cheesy comfort food that makes weeknights feel special.