Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole – Looking for a wholesome dinner option? Indulge, in our Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole, a dish inspired by Mexican cuisine that is bursting with flavor. This delicious recipe includes tender boneless chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and onions all seasoned with a blend of cumin, oregano and a touch of cayenne pepper. It’s a twist on fajitas that combines the essence of Tex-Mex restaurants with the convenience of a casserole. Served alongside cooked rice and topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese it creates a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for feeding your hungry family. Let’s embark, on this adventure together as we savor the flavors of Mexico in every bite.
The first time I prepared this Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole for my loved ones it became an instant sensation. The enticing scent of sizzling chicken mingled with bell peppers and onions filled our kitchen as I cooked up this Mexican-inspired creation. When I took it out from the oven the brown melted cheddar cheese topping was just perfect while all the flavors had beautifully melded together. My husband and kids couldn’t wait to dig into it. Each person customized their plate by adding lettuce, salsa, or creamy Greek yogurt according to their preferences.
What makes this Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole truly satisfying?
It was a tasty and satisfying dinner that quickly became a hit, with the family. The Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a nutritious twist on the fajitas. It’s made with chicken breast, brown rice, and a variety of bell peppers and onions making it a wholesome meal that’s also simple to prepare. The combination of spices like cumin, oregano, and just a touch of cayenne pepper gives it an explosion of Mexican-inspired flavors. With melted cheddar cheese on top and served with your favorite fajita toppings it’s sure to please everyone at the table while bringing the taste of Tex-Mex restaurant right, to your home.
What You Need To Make This Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe?
Brown Rice: If you’re not a fan of brown rice you can try using quinoa rice or even quinoa instead. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times
Chicken: For a leaner option go for boneless skinless chicken breasts. To add a flavor consider grilling the chicken before slicing it into strips.
Bell Peppers: Create an eye-catching dish by mixing and matching bell peppers. Whether it’s green, red, yellow or orange. They all work beautifully.
Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes bring a smoky and charred taste to the dish. Regular diced tomatoes will also work fine.
Cayenne pepper: Customize the level of heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. Remove it for a milder taste. Add more for an extra kick.
Cheese: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice feel free to explore varieties, like Monterey Jack or Mexican blend, for a unique twist.
Toppings: Personalize your serving by garnishing your casserole with lettuce, salsa, cream, sliced avocados, or any other favorite fajita toppings. Make it as loaded or as simple as you prefer!
Steps To Make Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole:
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (205°C). This step is like the curtain call before the grand performance!
Step 2: Now, let’s give our stage some love. Spray a 9×13 or 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray, making sure it’s ready for the star of the show – our flavorful fajita casserole.
Step 3: In a large bowl, gather your cast of characters: cooked brown rice, beautifully sliced chicken breasts, bell peppers, onions, and a can of diced tomatoes. It’s a family reunion in a bowl!
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Step 4: Everyone in the bowl! Mix it all together. You want these ingredients to get to know each other. Don’t be shy; make sure they’re well-acquainted.
Step 5: Take this fabulous mixture and gently transfer it to your prepared casserole dish. It’s showtime!
Step 6: Place the dish in the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 20 minutes, and while you wait, the flavors will dance and harmonize.
Step 7: After 20 minutes, it’s time to add some drama. Sprinkle the star of the show – shredded cheddar cheese – over the top. Watch it melt and mingle with the rest of the cast.
Step 8: Let it bake for another 10 minutes. The cheese will become the golden curtain call on your masterpiece.
Step 9: Allow your creation to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This finale is for the flavors to reach their peak performance. Your guests will give you a standing ovation for this delicious masterpiece!
Step 10: Finally, serve with shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices, or any favorite fajita toppings. Let your guests customize their plates and savor every bite of this delightful ensemble performance!
Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken strips in a zesty fajita marinade for at least 30 minutes before assembling the casserole. This will infuse the chicken with even more southwestern flair, making each bite a fiesta of flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice for this Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole?
Of course! If you prefer white rice feel free to use it as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be shorter, for brown rice so make sure to adjust accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and increasing the amount of bell peppers and onions. Additionally, you can add veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn, for flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add a few minutes to the baking time if it has been chilled before going into the oven.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown rice from about ¾ cup uncooked
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips (about ½-inch thickness)
- 1 large bell pepper sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (I use fire-roasted), well drained
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
FOR SERVING (OPTIONAL):
- Shredded lettuce salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices, or any of your favorite fajita toppings!
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F and greasing a casserole dish that measures 9x13 or holds 2 quarts.
- In a bowl thoroughly combine all the ingredients, excluding the cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish. Bake it uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Afterward sprinkle some cheese on top of the casserole. Continue baking for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Allow it to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Now you can savor your Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
