Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, seasoned with fajita spices, and mixed with cooked brown rice and diced tomatoes. Topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection and makes for a perfect family-friendly meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Seasoning and Base
- 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 and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
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 until they are browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Season and Combine: Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Add the drained diced tomatoes and cooked brown rice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the combined chicken and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly spread the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
- Use cooked brown rice for best texture; leftover rice works well in this recipe.
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein for a different variation.
- Adjust the fajita seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
- If you like a gooier cheese topping, consider adding extra cheese or using a blend of different cheeses.
- For gluten-free, ensure the fajita seasoning packet is gluten-free.
