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Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake

Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake

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  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 Minutes
  • Total Time: 50 Minutes
  • Yield: 8 Servings 1x
  • Cuisine: Tex-mex

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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