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Cheesy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole: A Comforting, Flavorful Dinner

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

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

Method
 

 Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken strips to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and half the fajita seasoning.
  3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
  4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Assemble the Casserole
  1. In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked chicken strips evenly.
  2. Top with the sliced bell peppers and onion.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning over the vegetables.
  4. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
4. Bake the Casserole
  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the casserole for a fresh, bright finish.
  2. 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.

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