Description

This Chicken Fajita Casserole combines tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, seasoned with flavorful fajita spices, all layered with brown rice and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make baked dish perfect for family dinners, delivering the tasty essence of fajitas in a hearty casserole form.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Meat

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)

Grains & Legumes

1 cup cooked brown rice

Dairy & Cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Oils & Fats

2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings & Spices

1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are browned and thoroughly cooked through.
Sauté Vegetables: Add sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion to the skillet. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
Add Seasoning and Mix: Sprinkle the 1 oz fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Then add the drained diced tomatoes and 1 cup cooked brown rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix everything thoroughly to combine all flavors.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer the entire chicken and vegetable mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole mixture.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful chicken fajita casserole.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs if preferred for a juicier texture.
Use pre-cooked or leftover brown rice to save time on preparation.
Adjust fajita seasoning quantity depending on your preferred spice level or make your own seasoning blend for a fresher taste.
This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of cheese or use reduced-fat cheese varieties.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American