Ingredients
Scale
- For the Casserole:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 bell peppers (sliced, red, green, or yellow)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added heartiness)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preparing the Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the chicken, onion, and bell peppers into even pieces for consistent cooking. Measure out all spices and shred the cheese.
- Cooking the Chicken and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Assembling the Casserole: Spread cooked rice (if using) evenly across the bottom of a greased baking dish. Layer the chicken and veggie mixture on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the mixture.
- Baking the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure all seasonings and toppings are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-free alternative: Use plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of the casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg