Description
Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful baked dish that combines seasoned chicken, bell peppers, onions, and rice with classic fajita spices. This easy one-dish meal offers bold Tex-Mex flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Oils
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with a small amount of oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Rice: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish to create the base layer.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth carefully over the rice to ensure it is well soaked and will cook evenly.
- Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with spices.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the seasoned chicken, sliced bell peppers, and onions over the rice and broth in the baking dish.
- Add Olive Oil and Cover: Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the ingredients. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure proper cooking.
- Bake: Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- Add Cheese: Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole, and return it to the oven uncovered for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm, optionally accompanied by sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole to enhance the Tex-Mex flavors.
- Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but expect a longer cooking time to achieve tenderness.
- For a spicier version, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
