Print

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole
Print Recipe

An easy and flavorful Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and seasoned rice baked with melted cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this one-dish Tex-Mex meal is family-friendly, nutritious, and customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Rice & Seasoning

  • 3 cups cooked long-grain or jasmine rice
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano blend)

Dairy & Liquids

  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice chicken breasts into strips, dice bell peppers, and chop the onion to ensure even cooking and a colorful texture in the casserole.
  2. Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips until lightly browned. Add onions and bell peppers, sautéing until tender but vibrant. Stir in fajita seasoning halfway through to evenly coat all ingredients.
  3. Combine Rice and Broth: In a large mixing bowl, mix cooked rice with chicken broth to maintain moisture and flavor. Gently fold in the sautéed chicken and vegetable mixture, combining everything evenly.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken, pepper, and rice mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese evenly over the top for richness and creamy texture.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving hot.

Notes

  • Cook rice ahead or use leftover rice to save time.
  • Sauté peppers and onions just until tender-crisp to maintain color and crunch.
  • Toss chicken and veggies with fajita seasoning before cooking for an even flavor distribution.
  • For extra creaminess, layer some cheese inside the mixture as well as on top.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking so it sets and slices well.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, fajita rice casserole, chicken casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, easy dinner recipe, family-friendly casserole, baked chicken rice dish

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/chicken-fajita-rice-casserole/