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Fajita Chicken Casserole

Fajita Chicken Casserole
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This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and bold fajita spices, layered with rice, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful, family-friendly casserole that is easy to customize and guarantees minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables

  • 2–3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

Carbohydrates

  • 2 cups cooked rice

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy

  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the chicken until it’s nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and add sliced bell peppers and onions to the same skillet, cooking them until tender-crisp. This builds a flavorful base for your casserole.
  2. Season Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken and veggies, stirring well to coat everything with those vibrant spices. Let it cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer the cooked rice first, then pour the chicken and veggie mixture over top. Add diced tomatoes evenly across the dish, then sprinkle shredded cheese generously as the final layer, setting the stage for a beautiful golden top.
  4. Bake Until Bubbling: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown around the edges. This step melds all the flavors and textures for the perfect finish.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps everything set, making it easier to slice and enhances the flavor fusion before you dig in.

Notes

  • Use fresh bell peppers and onions for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overcook chicken in the skillet; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Adjust fajita seasoning or add fresh chilies to control spice level.
  • Choose high-quality melting cheese for a gooey, rich topping.
  • Prep veggies and cook rice ahead of time to streamline assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: fajita, chicken casserole, Mexican, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, baked casserole, family friendly

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