Name: Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: Serves approximately six people
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1/2 cup finely diced onion; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice; 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 can (14 ounces) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed; 5 cups shredded chicken; 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1 can (4 ounces) mild green chilies; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Description

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole is a vibrant and satisfying one-dish meal that brings Tex-Mex flavors to your dinner table with ease. This comforting casserole features tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and zesty fajita seasoning, all topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it can be customized to suit your palate by adding extra veggies or adjusting the spice levels. With minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation, this dish is sure to delight both family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup finely diced onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice
3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 can (14 ounces) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
5 cups shredded chicken
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (4 ounces) mild green chilies
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a baking dish, combine onion, red bell pepper, rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if desired).
In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth.
Pour the liquid over the rice mixture. Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, and corn.
Cover with foil and bake for 65–70 minutes until the rice is tender.
Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 80 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (about 350g)
Calories: 455
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 96mg

Keywords: Use parboiled rice for the best texture. Adjust spices before baking to suit your taste preference. Allowing the casserole to rest helps set flavors.