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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
