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Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole
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This easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, baked to cheesy perfection. Perfect for hassle-free weeknight dinners, it delivers the spirit of traditional fajitas in a family-friendly casserole that’s ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced

Seasonings & Oil

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with fajita seasoning, then cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and let rest briefly before slicing into strips. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion until tender and slightly caramelized, about 7-8 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, mix together uncooked rice, chicken broth, additional fajita seasoning, sautéed peppers and onions, and sliced chicken. Stir well to combine evenly.
  3. Bake Until Tender: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and flavors to meld.
  4. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make portioning easier.

Notes

  • Use long grain white rice for the best texture and cooking time.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
  • Season generously with fajita seasoning for maximum flavor.
  • Use fresh bell peppers and onions rather than canned or frozen for the best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, chicken casserole, fajita rice bake, one-pot fajita, family dinner, easy casserole, Tex-Mex

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