Description
A Mexican-inspired comfort food that brings together the vibrant flavors of traditional fajitas in a convenient casserole format, perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green for color variety), sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream (substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown rice works great for added nutrition)
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice chicken into thin strips against the grain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and fajita seasoning, cooking until the chicken is no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet, sautéing until they begin to soften but still maintain some crispness (approximately 3-5 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, and half of the cheese.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, then add drained diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Partially freezing the chicken for 15 minutes makes it easier to slice thinly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken – work in batches if necessary.
- For a healthier version, replace white rice with cauliflower rice, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and opt for reduced-fat cheese.
- Add black beans for extra fiber and plant-based protein.
- Serve with guacamole, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: fajita chicken casserole, easy chicken fajita casserole, mexican casserole, weeknight dinner, family meal