Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and wholesome one-dish meal that combines tender bite-sized chicken breast, sautéed bell peppers and onions, smoky fajita seasoning, diced tomatoes, and brown rice, all topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting and easy-to-make casserole perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Dry & Spices
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add Seasoning and Combine: Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything with the seasoning. Then add the drained diced tomatoes and the cooked brown rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the chicken fajita mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the mixture to create a delicious cheesy layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier casserole.
- Use cooked white rice instead of brown rice if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, add some sliced jalapeños along with the bell peppers.
- The fajita seasoning packet can be replaced with a homemade mix of chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
