This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole brings all the tasty flavors of fajitas into one cozy dish. It’s packed with seasoned chicken, colorful peppers, and cheesy goodness!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? I just toss everything together and let the oven do the work while I sip my coffee. It’s a win-win for busy nights! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. It’s already cooked and adds flavor. Leftover chicken also works great! If you’re vegetarian, try using black beans or grilled veggies instead.
Bell Peppers: I like using both red and green for color and taste. If you want a milder flavor, use yellow or orange peppers. Any color will add sweetness!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack give a nice melty texture. For a twist, try pepper jack for a little heat or a dairy-free cheese if needed. Just ensure it melts well!
Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: These add creaminess. You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option. Softened tofu can replace cream cheese if you’re looking for a vegan choice.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté the Vegetables?
Sautéing the veggies is key for developing flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add your diced bell peppers and onions. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and slightly golden, which brings out their sweetness.
This step adds a delicious depth to your casserole, so don’t rush it!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional for added texture)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and about 20-25 minutes to bake the casserole. So in just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the chopped onion. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your casserole!
3. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, the sautéed peppers and onion, and the cooked rice if you’re using it. Then, sprinkle in the fajita seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors meld together.
4. Make it Creamy:
Add the sour cream and softened cream cheese to the bowl. Stir it all together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings if needed!
5. Add the Cheeses:
Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the mixture. Make sure it’s mixed in well, then reserve the rest of the cheese for the topping.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish so it cooks uniformly.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the reserved cheeses evenly on top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes!
8. Bake:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s heated through and the cheese on top is melted and lightly bubbly.
9. Let it Rest:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything firm up a bit, making it easier to dish out.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your chicken fajita casserole warm, and feel free to garnish with optional toppings like additional sour cream, salsa, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or sliced avocados. Enjoy your comforting and colorful meal!
This creamy, cheesy, and colorful chicken fajita casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that brings all the fajita flavors into one easy dish!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it before adding it to the mixture to keep things simple.
Can I Make This Casserole Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives to make this dish dairy-free. Additionally, opt for dairy-free cheese for the topping to keep that delicious cheesy goodness!
What Sides Pair Well with This Casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips. They add a nice crunch and complement the flavors well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through for a quick meal!
