Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a one-pan wonder that combines the flavors of a classic chicken fajita with the comforting, hearty goodness of a casserole. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful, satisfying meal without a ton of prep work. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a meal to feed a crowd, this casserole hits all the right notes—spicy, savory, and packed with all the fajita goodness you love.

The chicken is cooked with bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning, then layered with rice and cheese for an easy, one-pot meal. It’s simple to assemble and even easier to clean up! This dish also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers. Ready to spice up your dinner routine with this tasty casserole? Let’s dive into how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal

This recipe is as easy as it gets—everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

2. Packed with Flavor

With fajita seasoning, bell peppers, onions, and tender chicken, this casserole is bursting with vibrant, bold flavors.

3. Family-Friendly

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for busy families or meal prepping for the week ahead.

4. Customizable

You can adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or use different types of protein (like beef, pork, or even tofu) based on your preferences.

5. Hearty and Filling

With rice, chicken, and vegetables all in one dish, this casserole is a complete meal that will keep you full for hours.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green)
• Onion
• Fajita seasoning (or homemade fajita mix)
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or any variety)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Canned diced tomatoes (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Add Black Beans: For extra fiber and protein, throw in some black beans into the casserole mix.
• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or use a spicier fajita seasoning mix to kick up the heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more beans, corn, or even plant-based protein for a meatless version.
• Rice Variations: Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option or switch out the rice for quinoa or couscous for a different flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes and slicing the bell peppers and onions into strips. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary, then sauté the bell peppers and onions until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the fajita seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Chicken

Add the cooked rice and diced chicken back into the skillet with the veggies. Mix everything together, and if you want, you can add some canned diced tomatoes at this point for extra flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice from another meal, this is a great way to use it up! Just ensure it’s already cooked before adding it to the casserole.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is just cooked through, as it will continue cooking in the oven when baking the casserole.
• Layer Cheese at the End: Adding cheese during the last few minutes of baking ensures it melts perfectly without getting overcooked.
• Feel Free to Add More Veggies: You can easily sneak in more veggies like zucchini, corn, or even spinach for added nutrients.

How to Serve

Serve this casserole hot from the oven, and pair it with your favorite toppings. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even a squeeze of lime would be delicious additions to balance the flavors. You can also enjoy it with a side of tortilla chips or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! After baking, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the skillet with the rice and veggies.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?

Absolutely! You can substitute white rice with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for a different texture and flavor.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mildly spiced with fajita seasoning, but you can adjust the heat level by adding jalapeños, spicy salsa, or using a spicier fajita seasoning.

5. Can I use frozen veggies?

Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions. Just thaw them before cooking to ensure they cook evenly in the skillet.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the chicken and use plant-based protein or extra beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use whatever cheese you like—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.

8. Can I add beans to this casserole?

Yes! Black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans would be a great addition to make the dish heartier and more filling.

9. How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can be easily reheated.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free fajita seasoning and ensure the rice is gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food with a bold, Tex-Mex twist. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a win every time. With minimal ingredients and a short baking time, you’ll have a satisfying, one-pan meal ready to enjoy in no time!

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