Description
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Bursting with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey cheese, it’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to make and packed with smoky fajita flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with loved ones, it’s a recipe everyone will adore.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- Boneless chicken breasts: 1 lb, cut into strips
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Onion: 1 large, sliced
- Fajita seasoning: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings and Sides
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Warm tortillas or rice
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and half the fajita seasoning.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked chicken strips evenly.
- Top with the sliced bell peppers and onion.
- Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning over the vegetables.
- Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
4. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the casserole for a fresh, bright finish.
- Serve hot with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Pair with rice, tortillas, or chips for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add black beans, corn, or cooked rice for extra heartiness.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex