Name: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large chicken breasts); 2 cups instant rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper mix; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as RoTel), undrained; 1½ cups chicken broth; 1 packet (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning; 1 bag (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend gatherings. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors, all while being unbelievably easy to throw together. With tender chicken, colorful peppers, seasoned rice, and all the cozy comfort of a home-cooked meal, you’ll be amazed at what you can create when you just lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that’ll have your family heading to the table before you even call them for dinner.

Lightly coat a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how straightforward these ingredients are—and yet each one brings its own magic to this casserole! From pantry staples to a couple of fresh shortcuts, every item plays a part in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color you’ll crave again and again.

Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this step effortless, but poached or roasted chicken breasts work beautifully too.
Instant rice: This quick-cooking rice soaks up all the tasty seasonings and creamy sauce in the oven, creating the perfect base for the casserole.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy comfort and binds all the ingredients together for that ultimate casserole hug.
Sour cream: Lends a subtle tang and extra creaminess that balances the spices and rich flavors.
Frozen diced onion and bell pepper mix: Super convenient and colorful—it gives that signature fajita flair without any chopping.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as RoTel): Juicy tomatoes and a kick of spice add brightness and depth.
Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and ensures the rice cooks perfectly tender in the oven.
Fajita seasoning packet: The real flavor hero—brings all those classic fajita spices for each bite.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melty, stretchy, and golden—you just can’t have a casserole without it!

How to Make Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray

Step 1: Prep Your Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This not only ensures your casserole will slide out beautifully for serving, but it also makes cleanup a total breeze. No sticky mess, just easy deliciousness.

Step 2: Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to make the magic happen! Add the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen onion and bell pepper blend, the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of that wonderful shredded cheese. Stir gently until everything is fully combined—don’t worry if it looks a little soupy, the rice will soak up all that goodness in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole—Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray

Now take that perfectly prepared baking dish (did you remember to lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray?) and pour in your chicken and rice mixture. Spread it evenly to the corners so every scoop later has a bit of everything in it.

Step 4: Bake (Covered)

Cover your casserole tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes—this gives the rice plenty of time to soften and absorb all the creamy, savory flavors without drying out.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking

After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!), then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven, this time uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes. When the cheese is gorgeous, melty, and bubbling, it’s ready to come out and steal the show.

How to Serve Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray

Garnishes

When your casserole comes out piping hot and irresistible, take it up a notch with fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions adds a burst of color and zippy freshness. You could also serve with lime wedges for that classic fajita zing, or dollops of cool sour cream to mellow out the spice. Don’t forget a few slices of fresh jalapeño for anyone who loves a little extra heat!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty all on its own, but it loves company! Serve it alongside a simple green salad tossed with a lime vinaigrette or a side of smoky black beans. Warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips make for excellent scooping, while a quick corn salad can round out the meal with a sweet crunch. No matter what, you’ll have a fiesta on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Casserole doesn’t always have to be square—try scooping servings into colorful individual ramekins for an instant dinner party feel. Or, use the filling as a stuffing for roasted bell peppers, lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, and bake for an unexpected twist. Leftover casserole also makes a stellar filling for burritos the next day. Let your creativity (and appetite) guide you!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be transferred to airtight containers and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors blend together even more overnight, making reheated portions just as comforting. Remember to lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray if you plan to reheat a large batch back in the oven for best results.

Freezing

This casserole is a lifesaver for meal preppers! Before baking, you can wrap the assembled (unbaked) dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. Or freeze fully baked and cooled portions separately for single-serve lunches. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray before reheating to keep everything from sticking.

Reheating

To reheat in the oven, cover with foil and warm at 325°F until hot throughout, about 20 minutes. For smaller servings, the microwave is quick and easy—just heat, stir, and enjoy! If reheating a larger portion in the oven, don’t forget to lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to keep that glorious cheesy top intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular (not instant) rice in this recipe?

Instant rice is key for timing and texture in this dish, so regular rice won’t cook through properly and may stay crunchy or soak up too much liquid. If you only have regular rice, cook it first, then add to the mix already cooked.

What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?

Feel free to swap in shredded turkey, cooked ground beef, or even a plant-based crumble for a delicious twist! Adjust seasonings if needed, but everything else can stay the same.

How spicy is this casserole?

It’s got a little warmth from the fajita seasoning and green chilies, but nothing overwhelming. Want more heat? Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling before baking.

Is there a substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

If you’d like to skip the can, use an equal amount of homemade condensed soup or even a simple mix of sour cream and chicken broth—aim to keep the same creamy consistency for best results.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix everything together and keep it in the fridge (unbaked and covered) for up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray before transferring and baking as directed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, family-friendly dinner that everyone will love, don’t hesitate to try this Fajita Chicken Casserole. When you lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and bring everything together, you’re not just making dinner—you’re making memories. Happy cooking!