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–+ servings

Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole

This cheesy and colorful casserole is packed with juicy chicken, fajita-style peppers and onions, tender rice, and a rich, creamy queso sauce. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings all the Tex-Mex comfort right to your table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 6
Calories 610 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter divided
  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into cubes
  • 1 yellow onion sliced into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups white minute rice
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 oz taco seasoning
  • 15.5 oz jar salsa
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 can evaporated milk 12 oz
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend grated
  • 10 slices American cheese
  • 4 oz diced green chiles canned
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes until golden. Transfer chicken to the prepared baking pan.
  • Add remaining butter to the same pan, then add onions and bell peppers. Cook until onions are translucent and peppers are softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add to the baking pan with the chicken.
  • In a measuring cup, whisk chicken stock with taco seasoning. Pour into the baking dish along with the salsa and stir gently.
  • Sprinkle in the white rice and mix everything gently. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make queso by heating evaporated milk in a pot over medium heat. Add Mexican cheese, American cheese slices, and green chiles. Stir for 10–12 minutes until smooth. Keep warm.
  • After baking, remove foil and fluff rice gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped cilantro and pour over the warm queso or serve it on the side.

Notes

Make it spicier with pepper jack cheese or jalapeños in the queso. This dish reheats beautifully and is perfect for leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcal
Keyword casserole, Cheesy, chicken and rice, fajita, Queso
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