Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole combines the vibrant flavors of fajitas with a comforting baked rice dish. It’s a simple, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights that pleases both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white or brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) fajita seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the sliced onions and bell peppers until softened and fragrant, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with fajita seasoning. In the same skillet, sear the chicken for a few minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked, then cut into bite-sized pieces if not already.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the chicken broth, seasoned chicken, sautéed veggies, and any optional black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier meat and richer flavor.
• Add a diced jalapeño with the peppers for a spicy kick.
• Swap the fajita seasoning with homemade spice mix using chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for a fresher taste.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with extra black beans and corn, and use vegetable broth.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and rice to firm up slightly.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water when reheating helps keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well but will require a longer baking time—about 50-55 minutes covered. Check for tenderness before adding cheese to finish baking.

What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?

You can easily make your own by mixing chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust quantities to your taste preferences.

Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 150 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a flavorful, one-dish meal combining tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, seasoned with fajita spices, and baked together with rice and melted cheese for a comforting and delicious dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Broth

• 2 cups long-grain white or brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) fajita seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and all the bell peppers. Cook them until they become soft and release a fragrant aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set the veggies aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with the fajita seasoning. In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sear the chicken over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until they are browned but not fully cooked. Then cut or ensure the pieces are bite-sized.
3. Combine Everything in a Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the dish. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the seasoned chicken pieces and sautéed vegetables. If using, add the optional black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for more moisture or chicken breasts for leaner protein.
• For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or extra fajita seasoning.
• Brown rice may require a slightly longer baking time and a little more broth.
• Feel free to customize veggies or omit the optional beans, corn, and tomatoes based on preference.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner, Mexican inspired casserole, baked chicken and rice, fajita seasoning, one-dish meal