Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning layered with cooked brown rice and melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Produce
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Pantry Staples
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion to the skillet with the chicken. Cook everything together for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add Seasoning and Rice: Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything. Then add the drained diced tomatoes and cooked brown rice. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the entire chicken fajita mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute white rice for brown rice if preferred.
- For extra spice, add sliced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breast will add more moisture and flavor.
