Description
How to make fajita chicken casserole bake with tender chicken, bell peppers, and melted cheese that delivers all the flavors in one cozy dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Vegetables
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup salsa
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Everything: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice all peppers and onion, and have everything ready to go.
- Season Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Layer Base: Spread cooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with black beans, corn, and minced garlic. This creates a flavorful foundation for everything else.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onion over the rice mixture. Pour salsa evenly over everything, making sure to distribute it well for consistent flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. The foil traps steam, ensuring the chicken stays tender and vegetables cook through without drying out.
- Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Check that chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite fajita toppings.
Notes
- Always cover with foil for the first 25 minutes to prevent chicken from drying out.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Day-old rice works better than fresh rice to prevent mushy texture.
- Fresh shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture and easier cutting.
- Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
Allergy Information: Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 385 calories
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g
