Fajita Chicken Casserole – A Comforting Family Favorite
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Fajita Chicken Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish combines tender shredded chicken, zesty fajita seasoning, and creamy goodness in every bite. Let’s dive into the details to make this culinary delight effortlessly!
Ingredients Overview
Main Ingredients
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: 4 cups (about 3 large breasts), providing a hearty base for the casserole.
- Instant Rice: 2 cups, to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.5-ounce) can, adding creaminess and depth.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup, for a tangy and rich texture.
- Frozen Diced Onion and Bell Pepper Blend: 1 cup, for convenience and a burst of color.
- Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: 1 (10-ounce) can, undrained, giving a kick of spice.
- Chicken Broth: 1 1/2 cups, to cook the rice and blend the flavors.
- Fajita Seasoning: 1 (1.12-ounce) packet, bringing all the essential fajita flavors.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: 1 (8-ounce) package (about 2 cups), for that irresistible cheesy topping.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine Ingredients
Step 2: Mix the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion and bell pepper blend, diced tomatoes with chilies (undrained), chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese in a large bowl. Stir until well combined.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake the Casserole
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
Add More Cheese
Step 5: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Melt the Cheese
Step 6: Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Valuable Tips for Seamless Cooking
Helpful Tip:Â Use Rotisserie Chicken
Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and it’s ready to use.
Helpful Tip:Â Adjust the Spice Level
Control the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes with chilies. Add more fajita seasoning if you prefer a spicier dish.
Helpful Tip:Â Let it Rest
Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power.
