Take the sizzle and spice of a classic fajita night, and turn it into a one-dish wonder. This Fajita Chicken Casserole is the easiest way to serve up that bold, Tex-Mex flavor without firing up the grill.
Loaded with shredded chicken, peppers, rice, and cheese, it’s family-friendly, freezer-ready, and full of satisfying textures and seasonings.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy with a kick, this casserole is a summer staple.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Casserole
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Everything in one dish: Rice, protein, veggies, and cheese—check!
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Tex-Mex comfort food: Big flavor, minimal effort.
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Great for summer: Quick assembly, no stovetop mess.
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Freezer-friendly: Bake now, eat later.
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Customizable: Spice it up, bulk it out, or go low-carb.
📝 Ingredients (6 Servings)
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4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
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2 cups instant white or brown rice
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1 ½ cups chicken broth
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1 cup salsa (any heat level)
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 small onion, diced
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
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Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, avocado, cilantro
⏱ Prep & Bake Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 35–40 minutes
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Yield: 6 servings
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, salsa, peppers, onion, and seasonings. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Top with half the shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle remaining cheese, and bake for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a splash of lime juice.
🌞 Why It’s Perfect for Summer
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Minimal kitchen time: Quick prep + bake = more time outdoors.
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Feeds a crowd: Perfect for parties, BBQs, or weekend get-togethers.
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Bold flavors, light effort: No stovetop sautéing required.
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Flexible ingredients: Use leftovers, pantry staples, or farmer’s market finds.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, spicy salsa, or a pinch of cayenne.
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Add beans or corn: Black beans, kidney beans, or roasted corn make great additions.
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Low-carb option: Swap the rice for riced cauliflower and reduce broth slightly.
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Cheese swap: Use pepper jack for extra heat, or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
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Meat alternatives: Ground turkey, steak strips, or plant-based chicken all work!
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Bake at 350°F or microwave individual portions with a splash of broth.
Perfect for prepping lunches or quick weeknight dinners!
🌯 Fajitas Meet Casserole: The Best of Both Worlds
Fajitas are known for:
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Seasoned meat and veggies
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Sizzling presentation
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Bold, smoky flavor
This casserole packs all that goodness into one easy-to-bake dish. It’s like loading up your tortilla with everything you love—without the need to wrap or grill. Just scoop and serve.