Bright, colorful, and irresistibly cheesy, this fajita chicken casserole is a weeknight hero you’ll want on repeat. Picture hearty, shredded chicken, zesty bell peppers, bold fajita spices, and tender rice all baked together under a blanket of bubbling Mexican cheese. Every forkful feels like a little celebration, and what’s even better? You can throw it together with minimal prep. Just remember this step for flawless results: lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. That simple trick saves you from sticky messes and makes serving a dream. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this deliciously satisfying casserole is a dish you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a sprawling grocery list to make magic here – each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the bold, vibrant flavors and creamy texture you crave from a fajita-inspired bake. From the juicy chicken to the fiery kick of the seasoning, every bite is loaded with color and comfort.

Shredded Cooked Chicken: A simple, protein-packed base; rotisserie chicken or leftovers work perfectly.
Instant Rice: The quick-cooking rice soaks up big flavor while staying fluffy and tender.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness and helps bind everything together for that classic creamy casserole feel.
Sour Cream: Delivers tanginess and keeps the whole dish moist and luscious.
Frozen Diced Onion and Bell Pepper Blend: A time-saving shortcut that brings sweet softness and punchy color.
Diced Tomatoes with Chilies (like RoTel), undrained: For juicy bursts of tomato and a gentle heat that wakes up the whole pan.
Chicken Broth: Provides savory depth and ensures the rice cooks up just right in the oven.
Fajita Seasoning Packet: The magic for those signature fajita flavors – smoky, spicy, and utterly craveable.
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top and throughout the casserole.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Dish

Whenever I’m making a hearty casserole, my very first move is to lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. It seems simple, but it’s a true game-changer. Your casserole won’t stick, clean-up will be a total breeze, and those gorgeous edges will come out golden – not stuck to the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and combine all the starring players: shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, that freezer-friendly onion and bell pepper blend, undrained tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of your shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated and every grain of rice is ready to take on the flavor-packed sauce. It’s this saucy mixture that guarantees your casserole will be rich and satisfying with every scoop.

Step 3: Assemble

Now comes the fun part – pouring all that goodness into your prepared dish. Since you already remembered to lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, spreading the filling into the corners is easy as pie. Smooth out the top so you get an even bake and a beautiful, layered look once it comes out of the oven.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with foil and pop it into a preheated 350°F oven. This step locks in the moisture, letting the rice steam gently alongside the spiced chicken and veggies. After 35 minutes, everything will be perfectly cooked through, and the aromas wafting from your kitchen will be hard to resist.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheese over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for about 10 more minutes. This is when the top gets golden and bubbly, and that signature cheesy crust makes the whole dish impossible to turn down. Thanks to your earlier step to lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, serving up those gooey, satisfying squares will be a breeze.

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

Garnishes

The toppings can take your casserole from cozy to utterly show-stopping. A scattering of fresh cilantro, some sliced avocados, or a dollop of extra sour cream adds brightness and contrast to all that cheesy, warming comfort. For a touch of crunch, try a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or even a squeeze of fresh lime.

Side Dishes

This fajita chicken casserole pairs fabulously with simple sides. A crisp green salad, steamed corn, or maybe just a bowl of black beans make for a balanced, colorful plate. Warm flour tortillas are always welcome for scooping up every last bite! And the best part? The casserole’s flavor-packed nature means even lighter sides still shine beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to make things extra festive, try serving individual portions in small skillets or baking dishes – don’t forget to lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray if you’re working with multiple dishes! For a party, offer a “nacho bar” by spooning casserole over a platter of chips and letting guests pile on their favorite toppings. Every serving still packs that unbeatable fajita flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply let your casserole cool, then cover it tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and satisfying for up to four days. Remember, you’ll thank yourself later that you took the time to lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray – easy clean-up and flawless slices every time.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. Wrap the cooled, cooked dish well in plastic wrap and foil or transfer pieces to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to two months. When you’re ready for a weeknight win, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray before reheating frozen portions, and you’ll have perfect results every time.

Reheating

Warming up this casserole is a breeze. For the oven, lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, add your portions, and bake at 350°F covered with foil until heated through (about 20 minutes). Microwaving is even quicker – just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring for even warmth. Either way, it comes out cozy, cheesy, and just as delightful as day one.

FAQs

Can I use regular (non-instant) rice in this casserole?

Instant rice is a real time-saver here, soaking up liquid and flavor as the casserole bakes. Regular rice would need to be cooked separately first, or it may stay too firm in the final dish. If you try it, use fully cooked rice and reduce the chicken broth a bit.

Can I substitute another protein for the chicken?

Absolutely! Cooked, shredded turkey or even pulled pork would work beautifully. For a vegetarian twist, swap in cooked black beans or a mix of beans and sautéed mushrooms for hearty texture and flavor.

How spicy is this casserole?

With standard fajita seasoning and mild diced tomatoes with green chilies, the spice level is moderate – enough to be tasty, but not overpowering. To make it milder, use plain diced tomatoes and skip any added hot sauce. For a kick, choose “hot” varieties of seasoning or chilies.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Simply assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven and then bake as usual. Don’t forget to lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray before adding your mixture.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for casseroles?

For speedy shredding, cook your chicken breasts until tender (poaching or the slow cooker works well), then use two forks or a hand mixer to pull apart the meat. Store-bought rotisserie chicken also makes shredding super easy and convenient for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a meal that promises comfort, bold flavor, and minimal clean-up, this casserole is your new best friend. Don’t forget the essential step – lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray – for that perfect, golden finish every time. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and make tonight delicious!