This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a fun and tasty dish! It combines juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy goodness all baked together in one pan.
You’ll love how simple it is to make! Just throw everything in a dish and let the oven do the work. Perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and yum! 🌶️🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time saver and tastes great. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use grilled chicken breast. You could also try shredded tofu or beans for a vegetarian twist.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers give color and flavor. If you have yellow or orange peppers on hand, feel free to swap those in. They’ll add a slightly different sweetness, which is delightful!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess to the dish. Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option, while keeping that tangy flavor. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a gooey texture. If you prefer, you can use low-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative. Blending different cheeses can also add depth to the flavor!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional, but corn tortillas work too for a gluten-free option. You can even use tortilla chips for a crunchy texture!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Layered?
Layering is key to a great casserole! It ensures that each bite is full of flavor and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with half of your chicken mixture at the bottom of the dish, creating a solid base.
- Sprinkle cheese on top for richness.
- Spread the rest of the mixture for balance.
- Top generously with cheese for that bubbly, melty finish.
Remember not to overload with too many toppings, or it may affect cooking time. Also, letting it sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 packet fajita seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 8-10 small flour tortillas, cut into strips or roughly torn
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, or sour cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to bake, totaling about 55 minutes from start to finish. A delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, take a 9×13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, and diced onion. Add in the sour cream, the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the fajita seasoning. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and the flavors are blended.
3. Add the Tortillas:
Now, take your torn or cut tortilla pieces and add them to the bowl with the chicken mixture. Gently fold them in so that all the tortilla bits are coated with the creamy filling.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Spread half of the chicken and tortilla mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over this layer. This will add a yummy cheesy layer!
5. Finish Layering:
Next, add the remaining chicken mixture on top of the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Finally, top everything with the remaining shredded cheeses to create a gooey, cheesy top layer.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in, and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and a little golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit. Garnish with your choice of chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Dig in and enjoy this comforting and flavorful chicken fajita casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, like from a roast or previous meal, works perfectly. Just shred it and use it as you would the rotisserie chicken. It saves time and reduces waste!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and store it covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. You can add or substitute other veggies like zucchini, corn, or black beans. Just make sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly!
