Gather the following ingredients for your Fajita Chicken Rice Casserole:
- 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 (straight from the freezer, no need to thaw)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with chilies (such as RoTel, undrained)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning
- 1 bag (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups, divided)
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your casserole:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen vegetable blend, diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning. Mix well until fully combined.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese on top of the casserole.
- Step 5: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Fajita Chicken Rice Casserole with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or additional sour cream!
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately 6-8 and offers about 350 calories per serving. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with a baking time of 40-45 minutes overall.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Leftover chicken is perfect for this dish and adds even more flavor.
Q2: Is it possible to make this casserole without cream of chicken soup?
A2: Yes! You can easily substitute with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce if preferred.
Q3: How can I make this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
A3: You can omit the chicken and substitute it with black beans or other legumes, and make sure to use a vegetarian broth.
Q4: What can I serve as sides with this casserole?
A4: A simple green salad or some tortilla chips and salsa would complement this dish perfectly.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just make sure to properly wrap it in an airtight container.
Conclusion
The Fajita Chicken Rice Casserole is a delightful, hearty meal that can become a family favorite. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering. Try it out, and don’t forget to customize it to suit your family’s taste preferences! Share your favorite Tex-Mex combinations with us in the comments below!
