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A cozy one-dish meal with smoky, zesty fajita flavors combining tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, seasoned rice, and melted cheese, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups long-grain white or brown rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 packet or 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup black beans (optional)
  • ½ cup corn (optional)
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté sliced onion and bell peppers until soft and fragrant; remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Coat chicken pieces with fajita seasoning.
  4. Sear the chicken in the same skillet a few minutes on each side until browned.
  5. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already done.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
  8. Pour chicken broth over the rice.
  9. Add the seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and optional black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes if using.
  10. Gently mix all ingredients to combine.
  11. Cover dish with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  12. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for additional 5–10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Save time by using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken., Brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for white rice; adjust baking time and broth accordingly., Add chili powder or diced jalapeños to increase spice level., Letting casserole rest after baking enhances flavor blend., Serve with sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges for extra fajita flair., Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months., Reheat in oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mamapantry.com/easy-chicken-fajita-rice-casserole-recipe/