There’s something deeply nostalgic and heartwarming about the aroma of sizzling fajitas drifting from the kitchen. When I was younger, fajita night was a family tradition—usually on Fridays after a long week. The whole house would fill with the smoky scent of seared peppers and onions, and we’d gather at the table with all the fixings laid out—steaming tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, and big smiles all around.

But life gets busy. Some nights, you don’t have the time or energy for the full fajita experience. That’s exactly where this Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole comes in. It combines everything you love about fajitas—seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, melty cheese—into a hearty, no-fuss meal you can prep in minutes and bake while you unwind.

This dish is more than just practical—it’s flavorful, colorful, and full of comfort. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even as a freezer meal for new parents or friends in need. The roots of this recipe lie in Tex-Mex cuisine, a bold and beloved fusion of Mexican and Southwestern American flavors that has won hearts across the globe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big Flavor, Little Effort: All the flavor of fajitas with less work and fewer dishes.
• Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids, but easy to spice up for heat-lovers.
• Leftovers That Taste Better: This casserole tastes even more flavorful the next day.
• Perfect for Sharing: Feeds a crowd and makes a fantastic potluck or party dish.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make one now, freeze one for later.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 cups long-grain white or brown rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 packet (or 2 tbsp homemade) fajita seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and slightly charred around the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Using the same skillet, sear the chicken pieces until golden on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked—it will finish in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spread the rice evenly across the bottom. Pour chicken broth over the rice. Add the seared chicken, sautéed veggies, black beans, and corn. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Uncover and sprinkle cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Layering Matters: Keep rice on the bottom so it cooks evenly in the broth.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole sit helps the rice fully absorb flavors.
• Want a Crispy Top? Turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes after adding cheese.
• Add Toppings: Finish with chopped cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair.

DETAILS

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using GF fajita seasoning)

NOTES

• For even more flavor, swap the broth for low-sodium chicken stock or add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• Great with leftovers: Add leftover grilled veggies or cooked beef sausage for variation.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is chicken fajita rice casserole?
Chicken fajita rice casserole is a one-dish meal that combines the bold flavors of fajitas with seasoned rice and gooey cheese. It features tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and Tex-Mex spices, all baked together for a comforting, flavorful dinner. It’s ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

What is a chicken fajita casserole?
Chicken fajita casserole blends all your favorite fajita ingredients—juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and Tex-Mex spices—into a cozy baked dish. With melted cheese on top and optional rice or low-carb alternatives, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings fajita night to your oven.

What is a healthy fajita casserole?
A healthy fajita casserole keeps the bold Tex-Mex flavor while using wholesome ingredients like lean chicken, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and brown rice. It’s lower in fat and calories but still rich in taste, thanks to fajita seasoning and a light layer of melted cheese for indulgence without the guilt.

How do you cook chicken fajitas in a casserole dish?
To make chicken fajitas in a casserole dish, sauté sliced peppers and onions until soft, then sear seasoned chicken until golden. Slice the chicken and combine everything with rice, beans, or your base of choice. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly for a hands-off twist on fajitas.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the full casserole for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Pineapple Salsa Rice Bowl
• Smoky Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowls
• A Cozy Classic: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
• Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

CONCLUSION

Whether you’re reminiscing about fajita nights or just craving something easy and flavorful, this Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole will quickly earn a place in your dinner rotation. It’s warm, satisfying, and full of Tex-Mex magic—all from a single pan. Next time you need something quick and cozy, give this dish a try. You’ll be glad you did.

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