Chicken Fajita Rice-A-Roni Casserole – the ULTIMATE Mexican casserole! Everyone cleaned their plate and went back for seconds!! Spanish Rice-A-Roni, Rotel tomatoes, shredded chicken, fajita seasoning, onion, bell pepper, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheese. Great flavor and so easy to make! Top with your favorite taco toppings. Can make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze it for a quick meal later!
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
To prepare rice, melt butter in a skillet. Add rice mixture. Sauté over medium-high heat until golden brown.
Slowly stir in water, seasoning packet, and Rotel tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, chopped chicken, fajita seasoning, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, and bell pepper.
Spread mixture into prepared pan. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Notes:
I use rotisserie chicken for the cooked chopped chicken in this recipe.
You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Chicken breasts, chicken tenderloins, or boneless skinless chicken thighs all work fine.
I used a box of Spanish Rice-A-Roni in this recipe. I tried the casserole with Mexican Rice-A-Roni and we did not like it. It has too much orzo in the mix and not enough rice to hold up in the casserole.
I suggest using Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup in this dish to control the sodium.
Can substitute taco seasoning for fajita seasoning.
Here is our recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/
If you are worried about that heat from the Rotel, use MILD Rotel or a can of plain diced tomatoes.
You can use any cheese that you enjoy. I usually use cheddar cheese or Monterey jack cheese.
What veggies can I add to the casserole? Corn, black beans, and olives all are delicious!
Can Rice-A-Roni Casserole be made in advance? Yes! You can assemble the casserole. Cover the casserole dish and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
Can Rice-A-Roni Casserole be frozen? Yes! Assemble the casserole and let it cool completely. Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw completely and bake as directed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.