This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is packed with colorful peppers, tender chicken, and zesty spices all baked together comfortably. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s sure to satisfy!
There’s something magical about a meal that cooks all in one pot—less cleanup! I love serving this with a side of warm tortillas. Who knew dinner could be this simple and tasty?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re in a pinch, leftover grilled or boiled chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or chickpeas instead!
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add color and crunch. You could also swap in yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter taste. If you need a low-carb option, zucchini or mushrooms can be great alternatives.
Cheeses: I love the blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for its creamy melt. If you want to mix it up, try pepper jack for a kick. Dairy-free cheese can work too, but check the melting properties!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional, but you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. If you want crispy edges, try using tortilla chips instead.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Flavorful and Creamy?
The key to a flavorful casserole lies in properly seasoning each layer. Make sure your chicken and veggies are well mixed with spices before combining them with the sour cream and tortillas. This helps distribute the flavors throughout!
- Mix onions and peppers with spices before adding shredded chicken for even seasoning.
- Stir sour cream into the mixture for an extra creamy texture.
- Don’t skip the 5-minute rest after baking. This allows flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy making this easy and delicious chicken fajita casserole! It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or grilled chicken works well)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 small flour tortillas, cut into strips or small pieces
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavor-packed casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or some butter to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Mix the Good Stuff:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, diced onion, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix them well so that everything is evenly distributed!
3. Spice it Up:
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper to your chicken mixture. Stir everything together to ensure that those zesty flavors mix in nicely.
4. Creamy Center:
Now, stir in the sour cream until you have a nice, creamy mixture. This will help keep everything moist and flavorful.
5. Fold in the Tortillas:
Gently fold in the cut tortilla pieces, making sure they are well coated in the creamy chicken mixture. This will give that delicious tortilla texture throughout the casserole!
6. Transfer to Dish:
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
7. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top. Who doesn’t love a cheesy casserole?
8. Bake Away:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly with the cheese melted and lightly browned on top.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set up a bit.
10. Enjoy!
Serve it warm and enjoy the deliciousness! You can also offer sides like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for everyone to customize their servings.
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy chicken fajita casserole that combines the classic fajita flavors with the ease of a one-pan meal!
FAQ
Can I Use Tortilla Chips Instead of Tortillas?
Absolutely! If you prefer a crunchier texture, feel free to use tortilla chips instead of tortilla pieces. Just mix them in gently to avoid them getting too soggy before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. You might want to increase the spices for extra flavor.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with sides like a fresh garden salad, Mexican rice, or toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for added flavor and freshness!
