Who doesn’t love an easy, hearty meal that brings the family together? Old-Fashioned Chicken Fajita Casserole is a weeknight hero in our home! It’s quick to prep, full of bold flavors, and best of all—it’s all made in one pan. Less cleanup, more yum. Bonus? My kids absolutely love it, and I bet yours will too!
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Time-Saving: With only 10 minutes of prep time, it's perfect for busy days.
- One-Pan Simplicity: A cast iron skillet is all you need—no juggling multiple pots and pans.
- Flavor-Packed: Fajita seasoning, fresh veggies, and melty cheese make every bite irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly: It's a dinner win for even the pickiest eaters.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 1.25 oz packet fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced into strips)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced into strips)
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (not minute rice)
- 14 oz can chicken broth
- 8 oz cheddar jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Tools:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Large knife
- Cast iron skillet
- Tinfoil
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Slice and Dice: Cut the bell peppers, onion, and chicken into thin strips.
Sauté the Base: Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning. Sauté for a few minutes until everything starts to cook and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet for about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Bake: Cover the skillet with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and discard the foil. Give the casserole a good stir, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and serve straight from the skillet.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fajita Casserole:
- Customize Veggies: Swap in your favorite peppers or add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy vibe.
- Kick Up the Heat: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Meal Prep Magic: Double the recipe and enjoy leftovers for lunch—this casserole reheats beautifully!
Why It’s a Fall and Winter Favorite:
This casserole screams comfort food—perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. The warm, smoky flavors of the fajita seasoning paired with gooey cheese make it a cozy dish to enjoy around the dinner table. Plus, it’s hearty enough to fill up hungry bellies after a day of playing in the snow or raking leaves.
Serve It Up:
Pair your casserole with a simple side salad, some warm tortillas, or a dollop of sour cream and guacamole for the ultimate Tex-Mex meal.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this Old-Fashioned Chicken Fajita Casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again!
Old-Fashioned Chicken Fajita Casserole
This simple one pan chicken casserole is one of our easy dinner go-to recipes, and takes just an hour to cook!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1.25 oz packet fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into strips
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (not minute rice)
- 14 oz can chicken broth
- 8 oz cheddar jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Cut your peppers, onions, and chicken.
- Add the oil to a cast iron skillet and heat over medium heat, then add the chicken, peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add the rice to the pan, and stir into the mixture of chicken and veggies for a minute. Then add the broth, and give a quick stir..
- Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, and remove and discard the foil. Give the casserole a good stir.
- Sprinkle cheese all over the top of the skillet, and return to the oven for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Storage: refrigerate any leftovers
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 710Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 1587mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 71g
Let’s make dinner easy, flavorful, and fun! Try this one-pan wonder and let me know how your family loves it. Don’t forget to pin or share this recipe for those busy nights when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Here are some more fun recipes for you to try!
- Old Fashioned Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Easy 1980s Teriyaki Chicken Rice Casserole
- Italian Sausage Lasagne Soup Recipe