Description
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It combines the classic fajita flavors of chicken, peppers, and spices with the comfort of a casserole. This one-dish meal is loaded with shredded chicken, rice, and a delicious blend of cheeses. The instant rice cooks right in the casserole, soaking up all the savory flavors, making it an incredibly convenient and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 3 large breasts)
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen diced onion & bell pepper mix
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with chilies, undrained
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (1.12 oz)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen vegetables, diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and 1 cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 4: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Step 6: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks together in one dish, minimizing cleanup.
- Flavorful: The combination of fajita seasoning, diced tomatoes with chilies, and Mexican blend cheese creates a delicious, zesty flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more vegetables, use a different type of cheese, or adjust the amount of fajita seasoning to your liking.
- Comfort Food: It’s a warm, comforting, and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
- Add a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or jalapenos, so everyone can customize their serving.
Tips:
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken or cook and shred chicken breasts ahead of time.
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier variety of diced tomatoes with chilies.
- If you don’t have frozen diced onion and bell pepper mix, you can use fresh diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them in a little oil before adding them to the casserole for best results.
- Make sure to use instant rice, not regular rice, as it cooks much faster and absorbs the liquid properly in the casserole.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Note: Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fajitas in a comforting and convenient casserole. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and flavorful chicken filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The quick preparation and one-dish convenience make it perfect for busy weeknights, and the customizable ingredients allow you to tailor it to your specific tastes. Enjoy!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
A: No, it is not recommended to use regular rice in this recipe. Instant rice is specifically designed to cook quickly and absorb liquid efficiently. Regular rice will not cook properly in the casserole and may result in a crunchy or undercooked texture.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, keep in mind that the rice may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra chicken broth before baking.
Q3: Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also use a homemade cream sauce if you prefer.
Q4: Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn, black beans, or zucchini to this casserole. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you add a significant amount of additional vegetables.
Q5: Is this casserole spicy?
A: This casserole has a mild level of spice due to the diced tomatoes with chilies and fajita seasoning. However, you can easily adjust the level of spice to your liking by using a spicier variety of diced tomatoes with chilies or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also reduce the amount of fajita seasoning for a milder flavor.
