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Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole
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Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a quick, comforting, and flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, onions, and seasoned rice all baked with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it captures all the classic fajita flavors with minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Grains & Liquids

  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Slice the chicken into thin strips. Chop the red, green, and yellow bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until fully cooked through. Add the chopped vegetables and continue cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring regularly until the veggies soften slightly.
  2. Mix the Seasonings and Rice: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice with the fajita seasoning. Stir in the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and gently mix everything together so that flavors start to meld.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish lightly. Transfer the rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Top the entire casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheese to lock in moisture and add a creamy texture.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for about 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

Notes

  • Use fresh bell peppers and onions for best texture and flavor.
  • Avoid stirring the rice after baking to keep it fluffy and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Cover the casserole while baking to prevent drying out and ensure even cooking.
  • Prep vegetables and cook chicken ahead of time to speed up assembly.
  • Taste fajita seasoning prior to adding to avoid overpowering the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita, rice casserole, one-dish meal, baked casserole, Mexican-inspired recipe, weeknight dinner, family-friendly

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/chicken-fajita-rice-casserole/