Chicken Fajita Casserole (with rice)

I recently learned you can bake rice....and now I can't stop.

This chicken fajita casserole recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner. What I love about this one pan dinner is that everything cooks in one dish, hooray for less clean up!

I’ve been making this on busy nights when I want a cozy, hands-off dinner that still packs in protein and veggies. Makes great leftovers, and it's easy to switch up with different grains or veggies depending on what you have on hand.

If you like this dish, you should try my Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Easy Chicken Shawarma Plate with Tahini Sauce, or Easy Salsa Chicken in the Oven.

a chicken casserole topped with jalepenos and cheese

Why You Will Love This Dinner

Versatile meal – Make it dairy-free, change up the grains, or add more veggies.

Easy cooking – Mix everything together and bake it in one dish.

Healthy ingredients – Packed with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies.

What do you need to make this chicken fajita casserole:

ingredients for chicken fajita casserole with rice on a white background

Rice – White rice, brown rice, or even quinoa can be used as the base for this casserole.
Chicken tenderloins – A lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy; chicken breasts work too.
Corn – Adds sweetness and color; canned or frozen both work.
Beans – Black or pinto beans boost fiber and make the dish extra filling.
Fire-roasted tomatoes – Bring depth and a little smokiness to the casserole.
Fajita seasoning – Gives bold, zesty flavor; taco seasoning works in a pinch.
Bell peppers and onion – Classic fajita veggies for crunch and flavor.
Shredded Mexican cheese – Melty, cheesy topping (optional if dairy-free).
Aluminum foil – Helps the casserole steam and cook evenly while baking.

Serving Suggestions

Top with avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime
Serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas
Add a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Pair with a simple green salad

Substitutions and Variations

Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein boost
Swap in ground chicken or beef if you don’t have tenderloins
Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies
Use dairy-free shredded cheese or omit the cheese entirely
Spice it up with jalapeños or a chipotle seasoning blend

How to make a Chicken Fajita Casserole with Rice:

Layer chicken fajita ingredients, cover with foil, & bake!

Start by chopping vegetables and then sauteing them.
Place all ingredients except for cheese in casserole dish.
Cover in foil and bake.
Remove foil - add cheese- and bake 5 more minutes.
Serve with favorite toppings.

Tips and Notes

This is a great meal to prep in advance and bake when ready
Use quick-cooking rice for a shorter bake time
Stir halfway through if your rice tends to stick
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up

Do I need to cook the rice ahead for casserole?

Not for this chicken fajita casserole! It cooks the rice while it bakes.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can prep by cutting all vegetables or even put everything in a casserole dish up to 1 day in advance and bake when you're ready.

How do I reheat this casserole?

Cook individual servings on a microwave safe dish for 30 second increments.

What to serve with a chicken taco casserole?

You can serve it with tortilla chips, wrap it in a burrito, or in a bowl with favorite toppings.

I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
It is my goal to inspire you to create healthy and easy meals.
It would mean the world if you could leave a review or a star rating below!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Let the casserole cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Tips:
Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it from drying out.