Healthy Chicken Fajita Casserole
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful, wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and warm fajita spices baked to perfection.
With a layer of melted cheddar cheese on top, it’s a comforting, one-dish meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole delivers all the classic fajita flavors without the need for tortillas. Customize it with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, or Greek yogurt for a complete and satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Chicken Fajita Casserole because it offers the bold, zesty flavors of a traditional fajita in a convenient and hearty one-dish meal.
It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize toppings to suit individual tastes, and it’s loaded with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness.
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights since it’s quick to prepare and minimizes cleanup, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for families or gatherings.
Plus, it’s a healthier twist on comfort food, satisfying cravings without the guilt!
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein, cut into thin strips for tenderness and flavor.
Bell Pepper and Onion: Classic fajita vegetables, adding vibrant color and crunch.
Brown Rice: A hearty and nutritious base for the casserole.
Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Bring a smoky, tangy element to the dish.
Ground Cumin, Oregano, and Spices: Create the bold, signature fajita flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey topping that adds richness to every bite.
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 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon onion powder
(See notes about substituting fajita seasoning)
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:
Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch or 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the shredded cheese. Stir thoroughly to mix (you can also mix everything directly in the prepared casserole dish if you prefer).
Pour the mixture into the casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Place in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the casserole. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is fully cooked.
Cool and serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve with your favorite fajita toppings like shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, or avocado slices for a complete meal!
Notes:
Rice Options: While brown rice adds a nutty flavor and whole-grain benefits, you can substitute it with white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for different textures and dietary preferences.
Fajita Seasoning Substitute: Instead of the individual spices, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of pre-made fajita seasoning to simplify the preparation process. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Cheese Choices: Cheddar cheese works well, but you can experiment with other options like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a unique twist.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or diced jalapeños to increase variety and nutrition.
Custom Toppings: Personalize the dish with your favorite fajita toppings such as shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference, or leave it out entirely for a milder dish.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 2 g | Fat: 12 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Cholesterol: 75 mg | Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning instead of the individual spices?
Yes, you can substitute the individual spices with 1-2 tablespoons of store-bought fajita seasoning.
Be mindful of the sodium content in prepackaged seasonings if you’re watching your salt intake.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to the point before baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and follow the baking instructions.
Can I use other types of rice, like white or cauliflower rice?
Yes, white rice works well if you prefer it, but it will have fewer nutrients than brown rice.
For a low-carb version, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute, but reduce the cooking time slightly as cauliflower rice cooks faster.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the shredded cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it altogether.
For creaminess, you might add a dollop of dairy-free sour cream or avocado slices when serving.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or black beans.
For a heartier meal, serve with warm tortillas or cornbread.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked or shredded rotisserie chicken works well.
Simply mix it into the casserole with the other ingredients and reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes, as the chicken is already cooked.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature.
It should reach 165°F (74°C). Cutting the chicken into thin strips also ensures even cooking.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions.
Just thaw and drain them well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
What can I do if my casserole turns out too watery?
Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly before adding them.
If you notice excess liquid after baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and thicken slightly.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
Adjust the spice level to your taste preference.