Fajita Chicken Casserole

#### Instructions:

**1. Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and half of the fajita seasoning (or homemade seasoning), and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
– Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

**2. Add the Tomatoes and Rice:**
– Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) and the cooked rice, mixing until everything is well combined. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.

**3. Layer the Casserole:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
– Spread a layer of sour cream over the chicken and vegetable mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula.
– Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.

**4. Bake the Casserole:**
– Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the casserole is heated through.

**5. Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
– Serve with additional lime wedges on the side and enjoy!

#### Why This Fajita Chicken Casserole is So Special:

1. **Fajita Flavors in One Dish:** This casserole captures all the bold and savory flavors of fajitas—seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and a kick of spice—but in an easy-to-assemble, one-pan dish. It’s a complete meal with all the flavors you love in one bite!

2. **Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:** You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make this dish shine. With just a few pantry staples and fresh vegetables, you can create a flavorful, filling casserole that’s packed with goodness.

3. **Customizable to Your Taste:** Whether you prefer extra spice, more veggies, or even a touch of heat, this casserole can easily be adapted. Add more chili flakes for spice, swap out the rice for quinoa for a lighter option, or throw in some black beans for added protein. The possibilities are endless!

4. **Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved:** The combination of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and familiar fajita flavors makes this casserole a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a perfect way to introduce younger ones to the flavors of fajitas without the need for tortillas or grilling.

5. **Make Ahead and Leftovers:** This casserole is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying on busy nights.

#### Tips for Perfect Fajita Chicken Casserole:

– **Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness:** If you prefer even juicier chicken, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs. They’ll stay tender and flavorful throughout the casserole.

– **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you like your fajitas extra spicy, add more chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the chicken and vegetable mixture. For a milder version, reduce the amount of seasoning or skip the spicy toppings.

– **Top with Fresh Ingredients:** To add freshness and a pop of color, top your casserole with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

– **Use Pre-Cooked Rice:** To save time, use leftover rice or microwaveable rice packets. They make assembling the casserole even quicker!

#### Conclusion:

**Fajita Chicken Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. With layers of seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, melted cheese, and fluffy rice, this casserole brings all the best fajita flavors into a convenient, family-friendly dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a dish to feed a crowd, or something that’s easy to make ahead, this casserole has you covered.

Give this delicious recipe a try, and get ready for a hearty meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!