Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole: A Delicious One-Pan Meal for Busy Weeknights

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine right to your dinner table. As someone who loves to explore different culinary traditions, I find this casserole to be a perfect blend of taste and convenience. The history of fajitas dates back to the 1930s in Texas, where they were originally made with skirt steak. Today, we celebrate this dish by incorporating tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices into a comforting casserole that everyone can enjoy.

What makes Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole so beloved is its incredible taste and texture. The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and crunchy vegetables creates a satisfying meal that is both hearty and wholesome. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and inviting aroma. Join me as we dive into this easy-to-make recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. 2. **Cook the Chicken**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. 3. **Add the Vegetables**: Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Combining Ingredients

4. **Mix in the Other Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. 5. **Add the Chicken and Vegetables**: Once the chicken and vegetables are ready, add them to the mixing bowl with the rice and other ingredients. Mix everything together until well combined. 6. **Incorporate the Cheese and Sour Cream**: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream into the mixture. This will add creaminess and flavor to your casserole.

Assembling the Casserole

7. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking. 8. **Transfer the Mixture**: Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure even cooking. 9. **Top with Cheese**: Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.

Baking the Casserole

10. **Bake**: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. 11. **Check for Doneness**: After 25 minutes, check the casserole. If the cheese is not yet bubbly and golden, give it an additional 5 minutes.

Serving the Casserole

12. **Let it Cool**: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to serve. 13. **Garnish**: If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. 14. **Serve**: Scoop out portions of the casserole onto plates or into bowls. You can serve it as is or with additional toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, or extra sour cream.

Storing Leftovers

15. **Refrigerate**: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 16. **Reheat**: To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This Chicken F

Conclusion:

In summary, this Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a must-try for anyone looking to bring a burst of flavor and comfort to their dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty spices melds beautifully with the fluffy rice, creating a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this casserole is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider topping your casserole with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the flavors even further. You can also customize it by adding black beans for extra protein, corn for sweetness, or even swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole a try and make it your own. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, and any tips you discover along the way. Cooking is all about creativity and sharing, so let’s inspire each other in the kitchen! Happy cooking! Print

June 4, 2025 by Melissa