Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole Recipe
A hearty casserole layered with tender chicken, peppers, onions, rice, salsa, and a creamy green chile queso, baked to golden perfection.
6 Servings
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 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
- 1 15.5 oz jar salsa
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Queso:
- 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 2 cups grated Mexican cheese blend
- 10 slices American cheese
- 1 4 oz can diced green chiles
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden on two sides. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté the onion and bell peppers for 5–6 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. Transfer the vegetables to the baking dish.
Combine the Base
- Whisk the chicken stock with the taco seasoning in a measuring cup. Pour the mixture into the baking dish along with the rice and salsa. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Prepare the Queso
- While the casserole bakes, prepare the queso. In a saucepan set over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, Mexican cheese blend, American cheese, and diced green chiles. Stir occasionally for 10–12 minutes until smooth. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
Final Assembly
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Carefully uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Drizzle the warm queso over the top or serve it alongside.
Notes
To make this dish gluten-free, use certified gluten-free taco seasoning, salsa, and chicken stock. Ensure the cheese blend and American cheese slices are also labeled gluten-free. Replace the minute rice with a quick-cooking gluten-free rice option.