This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a warm and cozy dish bursting with flavors! With tender chicken, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to please everyone.
I love how you can just throw everything together in one dish! It’s great for busy nights when you want something hearty without all the fuss. Trust me, leftovers are even better! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and delicious, but you can also use leftover boiled chicken or even turkey. If you’re vegetarian, try black beans or chickpeas for a hearty option.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add flavor and color. If you can’t find fresh, you could use frozen bell peppers. You can also mix in some spice by adding jalapeños for a kick!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices. If you want a different flavor, feel free to substitute with pepper jack for extra heat or a dairy-free cheese for a healthier option.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but homemade is easy too! Mix cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for a custom blend.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Peppers and Onions?
Sautéing peppers and onions before mixing them into the casserole helps unlock their flavors. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until they’re soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Throw in the bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes. They should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
This technique makes sure your veggies are flavorful and ensures they combine well in the casserole!
How Can I Make This Casserole Even Easier?
To save time, consider using pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making assembly a breeze. Don’t forget, this dish is great for meal prep – it can be made ahead and reheated too!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled chicken works well)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional for added bulk)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a delicious and comforting Chicken Fajita Casserole ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This will be where your casserole comes together!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re softened, but still have a little crunch. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper! Remove the skillet from heat.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice (if you’re using it), sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the flavor magic begins!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and even so each spoonful has all that delicious goodness.
5. Top with Cheese:
Now for the best part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese abundantly over the top of the chicken mixture. Everyone loves cheesy goodness, right?
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. It’s hard to resist those enticing aromas!
7. Cool and Serve:
When it’s done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This gives the flavors a moment to settle.
8. Garnish (Optional):
If you like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flair before serving. Enjoy every bite of your delicious and easy chicken fajita casserole!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to thaw it first! To thaw frozen chicken quickly, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, cook it and shred it as directed in the recipe.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will go in the oven cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for the Sour Cream?
If you want to substitute sour cream, Greek yogurt serves as a great alternative! It adds creaminess and a slight tang. You could also use cottage cheese blended until smooth for a similar texture.
