Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole with Salsa Verde is a vibrant, one-dish meal that brings together tender chicken, hearty rice, colorful vegetables, and zesty salsa verde. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 cup rice
1 diced red bell pepper
1 diced red onion
1 can fire roasted tomatoes
1 can pinto beans
1 cup frozen corn
1 pound chicken tenderloins
2 cups salsa verde
½ cup chicken broth (or water)
1 cup shredded mexican cheese
1 packet fajita seasoning or taco seasoning
Instructions
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Cook the Rice
Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside. -
Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. -
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed chicken, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, salsa verde, chicken broth, and fajita seasoning. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. -
Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese over the top. -
Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Notes
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Rice Texture: Using day-old or cooled rice can help prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy.
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Cheese Options: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
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Add Heat: For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 477
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1143mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 88mg
Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, salsa verde casserole, Mexican chicken and rice, easy dinner, one-dish meal, gluten-free casserole