Description
This Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for quick dinner ideas or weeknight meals. Juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice are baked under a blanket of creamy homemade queso. It’s cheesy, savory, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor. Ideal for anyone looking for a hearty, easy recipe that the whole family will love. Whether you’re craving a cozy dish, need healthy snack alternatives for leftovers, or just want a new dinner idea, this casserole has you covered.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small yellow onion, sliced
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 fresh jalapeño, sliced
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a ceramic baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Stir in fajita seasoning and cook until veggies are just tender.
4. Add cooked rice and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Mix well and heat through, then transfer mixture to the baking dish.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
7. Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and paprika.
8. Pour queso evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
9. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until bubbling and heated through.
10. Top with sliced jalapeños before serving.
Notes
Use cold, cooked rice to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
Whisk queso sauce constantly and keep heat moderate to ensure a smooth, non-gritty texture.
Ceramic baking dishes work best for even heat distribution and prevent overcooking the edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: queso smothered fajita casserole, easy dinner, casserole recipe, Tex-Mex comfort food, chicken casserole