Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

If you love bold Tex-Mex flavors but don’t want to spend your entire evening cooking and cleaning, this Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is exactly what you need. It takes everything you love about classic chicken fajitas — juicy seasoned chicken, tender peppers and onions, fluffy rice, and melted cheese — and transforms it into a simple, comforting, one-pan meal that practically cooks itself in the oven.

Busy weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or complicated. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, this Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole delivers big flavor with very little effort. It’s warm, cheesy, satisfying, and incredibly family-friendly. Plus, because everything bakes together in one dish, cleanup is quick and stress-free.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy homemade dinner, this casserole is about to become one of your go-to recipes.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

There are countless casserole recipes out there, but this one stands out for so many reasons. The combination of convenience, nutrition, and flavor makes it hard to beat.

First, it’s truly easy. You sauté a few vegetables, brown the chicken, combine everything in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. There’s no complicated layering, no pre-cooking the rice, and no fancy techniques required.

Second, the flavors are bold and exciting. The fajita seasoning gives the chicken and vegetables that signature smoky, slightly spicy taste. As the rice cooks in the chicken broth, it absorbs all those delicious flavors, creating a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours.

Third, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize this Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole with beans, corn, tomatoes, different cheeses, or extra spice. It’s easy to adapt for picky eaters or to use whatever ingredients you already have.

Finally, it’s perfect for leftovers. The casserole stores beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

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What Makes This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole So Flavorful?

The magic of this recipe comes from layering flavors. Instead of simply tossing everything into a dish, you build taste step by step.

Cooking the onions and peppers first softens them and releases their natural sweetness. Browning the chicken adds savory depth and helps lock in juices. The fajita seasoning brings spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and paprika into the mix. Then, as everything bakes together, the rice soaks up the seasoned broth and juices from the chicken.

By the time it’s done, every bite of this Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is infused with rich Tex-Mex flavor.

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Recipe Overview

Servings

6 servings

Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour

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Ingredients

2 cups long-grain white or brown rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size 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)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

1. Cook the vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken

Season the chicken pieces with fajita seasoning. In the same skillet, cook the chicken for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will finish in the oven. Set aside.

3. Assemble the casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread uncooked rice evenly in the dish. Pour in the chicken broth, then add chicken, sautéed vegetables, and any optional ingredients like beans, corn, or tomatoes. Stir gently to combine so the rice is fully covered with liquid.

4. Bake

Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

5. Add cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole!

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Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

A few simple tricks can make your casserole even better.

Cut the chicken into small, uniform pieces. This helps it cook evenly and ensures you get chicken in every bite.

Cover the dish tightly with foil. This traps steam, which is essential for properly cooking the rice. If steam escapes, the rice may turn out undercooked.

If you use brown rice, add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time since it takes longer to soften.

For extra heat, toss in sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and makes serving easier.

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Customization Ideas

One of the best parts of this Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is how flexible it is. You can easily tailor it to your taste.

If you want more protein and fiber, add black beans or pinto beans. For sweetness and color, corn is a great addition. Diced tomatoes bring moisture and brightness. Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like extra spice.

You can even change up the protein. Turkey, steak strips, or shrimp work beautifully with fajita seasoning. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.

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Make It Healthier

This dish is already fairly balanced, but there are simple ways to make it even healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Use brown rice instead of white for more fiber and nutrients. Choose low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt. Load up on extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Use reduced-fat cheese or slightly less cheese if you prefer.

Because this Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole includes lean protein, complex carbs, and vegetables, it’s naturally satisfying and keeps you full longer.

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Meal Prep and Storage

This casserole is a meal prep superstar. After cooling, portion it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

You can also freeze it. Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Having a batch of Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole ready to go means you always have a homemade meal available, even on the busiest days.

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Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is hearty enough on its own, a few simple sides can turn it into a full Tex-Mex feast.

Serve with a crisp green salad, tortilla chips and salsa, or warm flour tortillas. Add toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges for extra flavor.

These small additions make your Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole feel like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to cook the rice first?

No. The rice cooks directly in the broth while baking, absorbing all the flavor.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Skip the browning step and simply mix in shredded cooked chicken.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack all melt beautifully.

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Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 30–35 g
Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
Fat: 12–15 g
Fiber: 3–5 g

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Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole combines everything we love about home cooking: simplicity, bold flavor, and minimal cleanup. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and immediately add to your regular rotation.

From busy weeknights to casual family dinners, this dish delivers every time. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, colorful peppers, and melty cheese create a meal that feels both satisfying and wholesome. And because it’s so adaptable, you can customize it endlessly to suit your tastes.