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Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole
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Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a vibrant and comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, seasoned rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this casserole blends bold southwestern flavors with easy preparation and minimal cleanup, delivering a warm, flavorful, and satisfying dinner option everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips

Vegetables

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

Grains

  • 1 cup long grain white or brown rice, uncooked

Seasonings & Spices

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

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Dairy

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and veggies: Cut chicken into bite-sized strips and season with fajita seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. In the same pan, add sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking just until tender but still vibrant.
  2. Mix in the rice and broth: Add uncooked rice to the pan with the vegetables, stirring briefly to coat the rice with oil and flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Return the chicken to the pan and combine everything evenly.
  3. Transfer to a casserole dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
  4. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Add fresh finishes and serve: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese. When done, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or recently ground fajita seasoning for the best flavor.
  • Don’t skip using chicken broth to keep the rice moist and flavorful.
  • Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
  • Pre-cooked rice can reduce baking time significantly.
  • Cover casserole tightly with foil during baking to prevent cheese from over-browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, fajita rice casserole, one pot chicken dinner, cheesy chicken casserole, Tex-Mex casserole

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