Chicken Fajita Rice Bake

 

 Every so often, I'll go back into my archives and I'll find a recipe that I made a while ago, but never got around to sharing. Dontcha just hate when time gets away from you like that?? Anyway, I made this dish, literally years ago, and it packs so much flavor, it's definitely worth a revisit. 

 It's all of your favorite chicken fajita flavors in the form of a casserole, easy to prep, easy to assemble, feeds a crowd. Sounds like a no-brainer to me! How can this be wrong?

 The recipe is from Delish, (you know those quick cooking videos that are bouncing around the interwebs?), so you know it's a keeper. 

 Most times I say that casseroles are great on cooler nights, but I think this one is a little bit lighter than your usual "January-freezing outside-stick to your ribs" comfort food. It's perfect for the  "end of summer, it's gonna be Fall soon" type of cooler weather. Know what I mean? 

If you like a chicken fajita, I know you'll love this one! Enjoy!

For the spice mix:

1 tbs chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp kosher salt 

1 tsp black pepper

For the casserole

1 cup long grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 onion, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders, cut into chunks, if desired

1 tbs olive oil

Heat oven to 375ºF.

In a mixing bowl stir together all spice mix ingredients. Set aside.

Place the rice and chicken broth in a 9x13 casserole dish. 

Add the remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl, and toss everything until evenly coated with the spice mix. Arrange chicken and veggies evenly over the rice. Cover with foil.

Bake for about 35-45 minutes. 

To serve, top with a a little salsa, shredded cheese, some cilantro or parsley, and a little squeeze of lime. 

Tips:

Everyone's oven is different, so the rule of thumb is: Watch the casserole, not the clock. About 30 minutes in, give it a quick check. You'll know it's done when the chicken is cooked through, the veggies are tender, and the broth is absorbed.

Feel free to top this with any other fajita toppings. My favorites are a few slices of jalapeno, some home made guacamole and a big dollop of sour cream. If you want more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce or taco sauce. You do you!