This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a yummy dish packed with chicken, bell peppers, and cheese. It’s like a fiesta in one pan with all the great flavors of fajitas!
You can whip this up quickly, so it’s perfect for busy nights. I love serving it with some crunchy tortilla chips on the side. Who doesn’t enjoy cheesy goodness? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: This is the star of the dish! You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or leftover grilled chicken. If you’re vegetarian, consider replacing chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a hearty option.
Bell Peppers: The red and green peppers add vibrancy and crunch. Feel free to swap them for yellow or orange peppers, or even use canned green chilies for a different twist.
Sour Cream: This ingredient brings creaminess to the casserole. If you need a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well. For dairy-free alternatives, use cashew or coconut yogurt.
Fajita Seasoning Mix: This seasoning blend brings all the flavors together! If you don’t have a packet, you can easily make your own using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Shredded Cheese: The melting cheese gives the dish its gooey goodness. I like using a Mexican blend, but cheddar or Monterey Jack will also work nicely. For a dairy-free option, look for plant-based cheese.
How Do I Ensure Even Cooking and Great Flavor?
Mixing the ingredients properly is key for flavor and texture. Here’s how to prepare everything to get a delicious casserole:
- Make sure the shredded chicken is fully cooked and cool before mixing. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
- Chop all vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking. This ensures that every bite is delicious!
- Combine your mixture until everything is evenly coated in sour cream and spices. This step spreads the flavor throughout the casserole.
- Don’t skip on greasing the casserole dish. It helps with easy serving and cleanup!
Following these tips will help you create a flavorful and satisfying casserole that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture/filling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the casserole dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole preparation takes about 15 minutes, followed by 20-25 minutes in the oven. Total time is approximately 40-45 minutes to have a warmth-filled dish ready for the family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven is warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, finely chopped onion, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Make sure everything is well combined!
3. Add Creaminess and Flavor:
Add the sour cream and fajita seasoning mix to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly until you have a creamy, well-mixed mixture. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. For added texture, fold in the cooked rice if you like.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer your tasty mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
5. Add the Cheesy Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese generously over the top of your casserole mixture. This is where the delicious gooeyness comes from!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for melty cheese and a bubbly, lightly browned top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This little break makes it easier to serve. Dig in and serve warm either by itself or with some fun sides like tortilla chips, guacamole, or salsa to create a full fajita feast!
This casserole is all about the classic fajita flavors of chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese—comfort food at its finest. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted, grilled, or even rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
What if I Don’t Have Fajita Seasoning?
No problem! You can mix together common spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create your own blend. About 1 tablespoon of this mix should be a good substitute for the store-bought seasoning packet.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a delicious vegetarian version, replace the chicken with black beans, chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or corn to boost the flavor and texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through—stir occasionally to heat evenly. Enjoy this dish again for another easy meal!
