Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fajita & Rice Casserole brings all the vibrant flavors of fajitas into one easy, comforting dish. The combination of tender chicken, zesty bell peppers, and the savory richness of rice soaked in chicken broth and diced tomatoes creates a perfectly balanced meal. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is full of flavor that tastes just like your favorite fajitas, but without the fuss of individual cooking. Plus, the leftovers make for a great lunch the next day!

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet, cook the chicken strips over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Casserole:
In a large casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), and sliced bell pepper. Stir to mix everything together evenly.
Add the Chicken:
Layer the cooked chicken strips over the rice mixture in the casserole dish.
Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top to slightly crisp up.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but you may need to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes and add a bit more chicken broth as brown rice requires more liquid and time to cook.

2. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! You can add other vegetables such as onions, corn, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just add it to the casserole dish after mixing the rice and vegetables and reduce the baking time slightly, as the chicken is already cooked.

4. Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to the casserole mixture for extra spice.

6. Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp, depending on your preferences.

7. Can I use a different type of rice?

You can substitute the long-grain rice with another type of rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time or liquid amounts.

8. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed.

9. Can I add cheese to this casserole?

Yes, cheese would be a great addition! Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy, golden finish.

10. How can I make this dish more flavorful?

For more flavor, you can add a fajita seasoning mix to the chicken while cooking, or you can season the rice mixture with cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder before baking.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Fajita & Rice Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights. The combination of seasoned chicken, sweet bell peppers, and tender rice creates a satisfying meal that’s great for the whole family. Whether served as a main dish or with a side of salsa and sour cream, this casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Baked Chicken Fajita & Rice Casserole

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Author: Julia
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Baked Chicken Fajita & Rice Casserole is a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and savory rice, all baked to perfection with a zesty fajita flair. This easy-to-make casserole is packed with flavor and makes for the perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, this dish is the ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

2 chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

1 ½ cups chicken broth

1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)

1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), sliced

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken strips over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Casserole:
- In a large casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), and sliced bell pepper. Stir everything together to mix evenly.
Add the Chicken:
- Layer the cooked chicken strips over the rice mixture in the casserole dish.
Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly crisp up the top.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or your favorite salsa and sour cream for extra flavor.

Notes

Tip: If you’re using brown rice, increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes and add a bit more chicken broth as brown rice requires more liquid and takes longer to cook.

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by microwaving individual portions or baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Substitutions: You can use ground beef, turkey, or shrimp in place of chicken for a different twist. Feel free to add other vegetables like onions or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course, Casserole, Weeknight Dinner
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American