Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken breast, sautéed bell peppers and onions, seasoned with fajita spices, and mixed with brown rice and diced tomatoes. Topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, it’s baked to bubbly perfection, making it a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
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 Mix-Ins
- 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 later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the chicken. Cook together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Season and Mix: Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat all ingredients. Then add the drained diced tomatoes and cooked brown rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the chicken fajita mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly spread the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty chicken fajita casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Use freshly cooked brown rice or leftover rice to save time.
- Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning according to your spice preference.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a half cup of sour cream before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
