Can You Add Rice to a Casserole?

Certainly! Rice is a natural fit for casseroles. Moreover, pre-cooked rice ensures even texture, while uncooked rice could absorb too much liquid and turn mushy.

Is It Okay to Put Raw Chicken in a Casserole?

Generally, no—especially when using cooked rice. Since the baking time is shorter, raw chicken might not fully cook. Therefore, it’s safer and tastier to pre-cook chicken for casseroles .

What’s the Best Cheese for Chicken Fajita Casserole with Rice?

Without a doubt, a Mexican blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla) delivers the best melt and flavor. However, sharp cheddar also works well for those who love bold cheese flavor.

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead?

Absolutely! After assembling, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Moreover, this makes it a perfect solution for meal prep or hosting.

Chicken Fajita Casserole with Rice Recipe: Quick & Cheesy

Description

This Chicken Fajita Casserole with Rice brings all the bold, smoky flavors of classic fajitas into a comforting, cheesy baked casserole. Tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in one dish for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal and great for leftovers too!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 ¾ cups chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel or similar)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: fresh cilantro and lime wedges

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and sprinkle with half of the fajita seasoning. Cook until the chicken is just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and the remaining fajita seasoning. Stir until smooth.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with cooked chicken, followed by sliced onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender, cheese is melted, and casserole is bubbly.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired. Enjoy warm!

Notes

For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can substitute brown rice, but increase the broth and baking time accordingly.
Want to make it even easier? Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Serve with guacamole, salsa, or a crisp green salad on the side for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Calories: ~420 kcal
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Protein: ~28g