If you’re craving a delicious and hassle-free meal that’s bursting with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, I’ve got the perfect dish- Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole. This recipe is loaded with flavor! Tender chicken combined with colorful peppers, onions, and an array of spices.
So, grab your apron and let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole…
Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes
Instructions:
- Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they’re no longer pink and have a nicely browned exterior. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sautéing the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables with the spices. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assembling the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Layer the sautéed vegetables on top of the rice. Then, add the cooked chicken over the vegetable layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating an even layer.
- Baking the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serving and Garnishing: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve the Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, and diced tomatoes.
- Enjoy! Get ready to indulge in the delightful combination of tender chicken, seasoned vegetables, and fluffy rice. The flavors come together beautifully in this comforting and satisfying Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole. Each bite will transport you to a fiesta of deliciousness!
This casserole is not only a tasty dinner option but also great for potlucks, gatherings, or meal prep. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking with additional toppings or spice adjustments. Feel free to add jalapeños, corn, or black beans to enhance the flavors even further.
So, gather your ingredients, let your oven do the work, and savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole. Buen provecho!
Note: You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
Easy Recipes- Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Cauliflower Rice
