Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake

If you love bold Tex-Mex flavors but want an easy, one-pan meal, this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake is about to be your new favorite! Packed with juicy fajita-seasoned chicken, tender bell peppers, onions, and fluffy rice, this dish bakes to perfection—all in one dish. Plus, it’s loaded with melty cheese, making it a true comfort food win.

What makes this recipe even better? Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and big flavors. Instead of standing over the stove, you can let the oven do all the work. Meanwhile, the chicken stays juicy, the veggies get perfectly roasted, and the rice absorbs all those delicious fajita spices.

Even better, this meal is versatile and easy to customize. Want more heat? Toss in some jalapeños. Prefer a low-carb option? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. However you make it, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake is a delicious, fuss-free way to bring bold, Tex-Mex flavors to your table!

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
One (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
1 red bell pepper (sliced thin)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced thin)
One small red onion (sliced thin)
1 ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Juice of 1 lime

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish.

2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken strips with olive oil, fajita seasoning, and lime juice for an extra punch of flavor.

3. Layer the Base: Evenly spread uncooked rice in the baking dish. Pour in chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes, then stir gently to distribute flavors.

4. Add the Veggies: Scatter bell peppers and onions over the rice for the perfect fajita flavor.

5. Arrange the Chicken: Lay seasoned chicken strips on top, ensuring even coverage. This allows the juices to soak into the rice for maximum flavor!

6. Bake Covered: Tightly cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, letting the rice cook and absorb all the flavors. The chicken should be fully cooked and reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)—perfectly juicy and tender!

7. Add Cheese & Broil: Remove foil, sprinkle Mexican blend cheese on top, and return to the oven for 5 minutes at 400°F, then broil for 2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Sauté the Peppers for Extra Flavor: For even more depth, lightly sauté the bell peppers and onions in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil before adding them to the casserole. This makes them extra tender and brings out their natural sweetness!
• Make It Extra Smoky: Add a ½ tsp smoked paprika for deeper, richer flavor.
• Customize the Spice Level: Love heat? Toss in sliced jalapeños or an extra pinch of cayenne.