Fajita Chicken Rice Casserole with Mexican Cheese
A hearty one-dish meal combining seasoned chicken breast with peppers, onions, and instant rice in a creamy base of chicken soup and sour cream. The addition of Rotel tomatoes and fajita seasoning gives this comfort food casserole its Tex-Mex flair, while melted Mexican cheese creates a golden, bubbly top. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this satisfying casserole delivers familiar fajita flavors without the fuss of individual wrapping.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite size pieces
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz frozen peppers and onions
- 2 cups instant rice, cooked according to package directionscauliflower rice1:1low-carbketo
reduce liquid slightly
- 10 ½ oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10 ½ oz rotel
- 1 oz fajita seasoning
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- 2
Prepare 3 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray
- 3
Prepare skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat on medium heat
- 4
Dice chicken into bite size pieces and season with salt and pepper
- 5
Add diced chicken and frozen peppers and onions to skillet
- 6
Cook until chicken is no longer pink
- 7
Drain as needed and add to prepared casserole dish
- 8
Add cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, rotel, and fajita seasoning to casserole dish and mix well
- 9
Top casserole with shredded cheese
- 10
Bake for 20-25 minutes until warm throughout and cheese is melted
- 11
Remove from oven and serve
Tips
Drain excess liquid from cooked chicken and vegetables to prevent a watery casserole
Cook rice slightly underdone since it will continue cooking in the oven
Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days
Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 10 minutes to baking time
Serve hot directly from casserole dish with tortillas or crusty bread
Common Mistakes
Drain excess liquid from chicken to avoid watery texture
Do not overbake or cheese will become rubbery
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, saute fresh bell peppers and onions until softened before adding to the chicken. This may add 5-7 minutes to prep time.
What if I do not have Rotel tomatoes?
Substitute with 1 can diced tomatoes plus 1-2 diced jalapenos, or use salsa for similar flavor and heat level.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or reheat entire dish covered in 350F oven.