Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, flavor-packed meal that gets everyone excited for dinner, look no further than this Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole. It has all the sizzle and color of your favorite sizzling fajitas, but with the weeknight-friendly convenience of everything baked in one pan. Creamy, cheesy, loaded with perfectly seasoned chicken and vibrant peppers, this recipe is as dazzling to serve as it is effortless to prepare. Whether you’re feeding family, sharing with friends, or just craving something hearty yet fresh, this is a dish guaranteed to make you crave leftovers.

Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how the ingredients for Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole come together with almost no fuss. Every component plays a starring role, bringing bold flavors, welcoming textures, and incredible color to your table.

  • Long-grain white or brown rice (2 cups): This is your base, soaking up all those amazing fajita flavors while baking to fluffy perfection.
  • Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds moisture and depth, keeping the rice tender and infusing every bite with rich, savory taste.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (1.5 lbs): Choose your favorite cut for juicy, protein-packed bites that remain succulent after baking.
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the veggies and sear the chicken, bringing out their natural flavors.
  • Medium onion, sliced (1): Adds sweetness and classic fajita aroma.
  • Red bell pepper, sliced (1): Delivers vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
  • Green bell pepper, sliced (1): Lends earthiness and a wonderful crunch.
  • Yellow bell pepper, sliced (1): Bright and mild, this ties together the rainbow of peppers.
  • Fajita seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons): The magical spice blend that brings everything together; use store-bought or homemade if you like some heat!
  • Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (1 cup): Melts into a golden, gooey blanket that everyone wants more of.
  • Black beans, optional (½ cup): Adds earthy flavor and extra heartiness—fantastic if you have them on hand.
  • Corn, optional (½ cup): Gives bursts of sweetness and color to each forkful.
  • Diced tomatoes, optional (½ cup): A juicy touch for those who want a little more freshness in the casserole.

How to Make Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by getting those veggies just right. Heat your largest skillet over medium heat, then toss in the sliced onions and all three bell peppers. Let them cook, stirring often, until they’re softened and deliciously fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step not only brings out their natural sweetness but also gives your casserole that unmistakable fajita flavor. Once softened, scoop the veggies out onto a plate and set them aside for a bit.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While your skillet is still warm, sprinkle the chicken pieces generously with fajita seasoning. Sear them for a few minutes on each side, just until they’re golden brown and locked with flavor. Don’t worry about cooking them through; they’ll finish baking in the oven, ensuring they stay ultra-juicy. Let them rest for a minute, then cut or shred into bite-sized pieces, so every scoop in the casserole has some of that savory chicken goodness.

Step 3: Combine Everything in a Casserole Dish

Now comes the fun part! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you assemble everything. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, scatter the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Gently pour in the chicken broth, then add the seared chicken and your sautéed fajita veggies. If you’re adding black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes, this is the moment to toss them in. Give it all a good stir to distribute those fajita flavors every which way.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover your casserole snugly with foil, pop it in the oven, and bake for 35–40 minutes. The rice will become tender, the chicken will finish cooking, and your kitchen will start to smell like the best Tex-Mex restaurant in town. Peek to check the rice—when it’s fluffy and the liquid has mostly absorbed, you’re ready for the final step.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Time for the cheesy finale! Remove the foil and sprinkle your casserole generously with shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend cheese. Put the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese has melted into a gooey, golden topping. Let it cool slightly—then get ready for the best part: serving up your Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Dress up your Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole with fresh toppings to boost flavor and give it that fiesta flair: a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. Avocado slices or diced green onions also add a creamy, cool complement to the warm, spicy casserole beneath.

Side Dishes

Complete your meal with sides that echo the Tex-Mex vibes of this dish. I love serving a simple tossed salad with a lime vinaigrette, warm flour tortillas for scooping, or crunchy tortilla chips for texture. For something cooling, offer a bowl of creamy guacamole or a side of pico de gallo.

Creative Ways to Present

If you feel like mixing things up, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for easy-to-serve portions at a party, or serve it inside mini bell pepper boats for a colorful, edible vessel. For a fun twist, use it as a flavorful filling for burritos or adventurous stuffed peppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole stores beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld even more, giving you delicious lunches or quick dinners all week long! Just be sure to let it cool before sealing so condensation doesn’t make the rice mushy.

Freezing

To freeze, let your casserole cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil. Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, which helps keep the rice from getting overly soft.

Reheating

For single servings, simply microwave until hot, stirring halfway through. To reheat a whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until piping hot. If it looks a little dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth before baking to revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred your rotisserie chicken, toss it with the fajita seasoning, and skip the searing step. Add it right on top of the uncooked rice with the veggies—your Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole will still be loaded with flavor and it’ll save even more time.

Can I make this dish dairy free?

Yes, you can easily make this casserole dairy free by swapping the regular cheese for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese, or by omitting the cheese topping altogether. The casserole’s bold flavors will still shine through!

What kind of rice is best to use?

Long-grain white rice gives the fluffiest results, but brown rice works well if you prefer a nuttier taste and extra fiber. Just know that brown rice may need a little extra cooking time and possibly a splash more broth to fully soften.

How can I make it spicier?

If you love more heat, try adding extra chili powder or cayenne to your fajita seasoning, or mix in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce with your veggies. You can also offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños at the table for those who like it fiery!

Is Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole gluten free?

This recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you use certified gluten free fajita seasoning and chicken broth. Always double-check labels to be certain and you’ve got a worry-free, flavorful casserole.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that combines Tex-Mex flair with true comfort food appeal, Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is about to become your new go-to. With its bold flavors, effortless prep, and guaranteed leftovers, there’s just so much to love! Give it a try and watch it disappear—your family and friends will be asking for seconds.

Print

Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe

This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, rice, and melted cheese for a delicious dinner option.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

  • 2 cups long-grain white or brown rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Chicken and Veggies:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 packet or 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning

Additional Options:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup black beans (optional)
  • ½ cup corn (optional)
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sliced onions and bell peppers until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with fajita seasoning. Sear in the same skillet for a few minutes on each side until browned. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Combine Everything in a Casserole Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly. Add chicken broth, seasoned chicken, and sautéed veggies. Stir to combine.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove foil and sprinkle cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Chicken Fajita, Rice Casserole, Easy Dinner Recipe

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