Fajita Chicken Casserole

Fajita Chicken Casserole is a simple and delicious dish that combines the flavors of fajitas into one easy meal. Using shredded chicken, rice, cheese, and various seasonings, this casserole is perfect for family dinners. It is satisfying and full of flavor, making it a great choice for any day of the week.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Fajita Chicken Casserole. First, it is easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready for your family. The combination of chicken, cheese, and spices creates a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. It is also a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup for you. Plus, you can customize it to fit your family’s taste.

HOW TO MAKE Fajita Chicken Casserole

Making Fajita Chicken Casserole does not require any special skills. With a few ingredients and basic steps, you can prepare this dish quickly and easily.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Fajita Chicken Casserole, you will need:

• A large mixing bowl
• A 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• A spoon for mixing

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 3 large breasts)
• 2 cups instant rice (uncooked)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper mix
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like RoTel), with juices
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (1.12 oz) packet fajita seasoning
• 2 cups (1 bag, 8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen pepper and onion mix, diced tomatoes with their liquid, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together until fully incorporated.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
4. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with tortilla chips, sliced avocado, or a simple green salad if desired.

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Fajita Chicken Casserole

Fajita Chicken Casserole can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it right from the baking dish for a casual dinner. For a more festive occasion, serve it on a plate with vibrant sides. Add sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Fajita Chicken Casserole

If you have leftovers, storing Fajita Chicken Casserole is very easy. Place any unused casserole in an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Wrap it well in foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in the oven until warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Fajita Chicken Casserole is quite versatile. You can serve it with a side of:

• Simple green salad
• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Cornbread
• Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize Fajita Chicken Casserole to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian turn.
• Spicy Version: Add some jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
• Different Cheeses: Try using different cheese blends like cheddar or pepper jack for a different taste.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate other veggies such as corn, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken? Yes! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Just ensure it’s shredded.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before. Just cover and refrigerate. Bake it when you are ready to serve.
3. Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice? You can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time because brown rice takes longer to cook.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free? Make sure to check that your cream of chicken soup and fajita seasoning are gluten-free. Substituting with gluten-free varieties keeps the dish safe.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Fajita Chicken Casserole

To make Fajita Chicken Casserole even easier, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Chop and mix all the ingredients, store them in the refrigerator, and bake when ready. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal with little fuss after a busy day.

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