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Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe – Easy One-Pan Family Dinner

Make this cheesy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole with tender chicken, peppers, rice, and melted cheese. An easy one-pan dinner packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex cuisine
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Vegetables
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
Seasonings
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning divided
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Garlic powder to taste
  • Paprika to taste
For the Casserole
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup long-grain rice rinsed
  • 1 can black beans drained (optional)
  • 1 cup corn optional
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
For Topping
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro chopped

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
  1. Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the chopped garlic along with half of the fajita seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  5. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
  1. Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining olive oil.
  2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces.
  3. Season with the remaining fajita seasoning.
  4. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked vegetables back into the skillet with the chicken.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add:
  4. Rinsed rice
  5. Black beans
  6. Corn
  7. Diced tomatoes
  8. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
Step 4: Add Liquids
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
  2. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
  1. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
  2. Cover the skillet tightly and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
  1. Turn off the heat completely.
  2. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  3. Cover again and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
  1. Remove the lid and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
  2. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

This Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is one of those comforting recipes that combines simplicity with big flavor. The seasoned chicken, colorful peppers, creamy rice, and melted cheese create an irresistible meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It's easy to customize, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to become a regular addition to your dinner rotation. Serve it fresh, load it up with your favorite toppings, and enjoy every cheesy bite.