Cheesy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and crisp bell peppers, this Fajita Chicken Casserole delivers all the bold flavors of classic chicken fajitas in an easy, one-dish bake. It’s a cozy, weeknight-friendly dinner that the whole family will ask for again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Prep: Uses instant rice and pre-cooked shredded chicken for a quick dump-and-bake meal.
Cheesy & Savory: Blend of cheddar and mozzarella melted over warm fajita-seasoned rice and tender chicken.
Budget & Family Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that stretches simple pantry staples into a feast.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
9×13-inch Baking Dish: Fits all the rice, chicken, and bubbly cheese layers perfectly.
Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the rice, soup, broth, and fajita seasonings before baking.
Ingredients
4 cups Shredded cooked chicken
2 cups Instant rice, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
1 cup Chicken broth
1 Red bell pepper, diced
1 Green bell pepper, diced
1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp Fajita seasoning
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 cup Fresh parsley (or cilantro), chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
2. Combine Rice Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and salt until smooth. Stir in the uncooked instant rice, diced red bell pepper, and diced green bell pepper.
3. Fold in Chicken & Cheese: Add the shredded cooked chicken and 1/2 cup each of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until everything is thoroughly coated.
4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it into an even layer. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Broil & Garnish: Uncover and broil on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot!
Chef’s Tips
Swap for Cilantro: Swap fresh parsley for fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra pop of authentic fajita flavor.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves prep time and adds rich flavor to the casserole!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving / 6 Servings Yield)
Servings: 6
Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: 32g
Net Carbs: 26g
Fat: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular white rice instead of instant rice?
If using regular long-grain white rice instead of instant rice, pre-cook the rice to tender before mixing it into the casserole, or increase the chicken broth to 2 cups and extend the foil-covered baking time to 45–50 minutes.