Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Mexican Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a healthy, make-ahead dinner with bell peppers, red onion, and 23g of protein per serving. Rice cooks right in the dish with fajita seasoning and chicken broth for bold flavor. Topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes, this one-pan meal serves 8—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly comfort food.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Recipe Type Casseroles, Chicken, Fall, Healthy Choices, Rice Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 349kcal

Author Angela G.

Equipment

Ingredients

Chicken

1 lb chicken
1 tablespoon avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil

Fajita Seasoning

1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper diced
1 green bell pepper diced
1 red onion diced
4 oz green chilis

Rice

2 cups long grain white rice arroz
1 cups chicken broth

Toppings

2 cup Mexican cheese blend shredded
1 jalapeño sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use half the spice mixture to coat the chicken. Toss until evenly seasoned.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the seasoned chicken until lightly browned. It doesn’t need to be cooked through, then removed from heat.
Transfer chicken to the baking dish then add the peppers, onion, and green chilis, followed by the rice, remaining spices, half the cheese and chicken broth. Toss lightly to combine.
Cover casserole dish tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Adjust the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like it spicier.
Make sure the casserole dish is covered tightly with foil to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid properly.

Nutrition