I know how busy life can get, and sometimes finding a simple, satisfying dinner feels like a big task. That’s why I always keep easy casserole recipes in my back pocket. They are my go-to for hearty meals that come together without a fuss and often leave you with great leftovers.
Today, I’m sharing two fantastic chicken casserole recipes that are big on flavor and very easy to make. Whether you’re craving something with a Mexican-inspired kick or a comforting meal packed with fresh veggies, I have you covered. Let’s get cooking!
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Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
If you love the bold flavors of fajitas but want a simple meal, this chicken casserole is for you. It brings all those great tastes into one easy dish you can bake in your oven.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Fajita Seasoning: Use a good quality blend for that authentic taste without needing many different spices.
- Bell Peppers: Slice them thin so they cook evenly and become tender, adding great color and sweetness.
- Cheese Choice: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully over the top, making it extra comforting.
What You Need for Fajita Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Your Chicken Fajita Casserole
Step 1: Prep & Mix Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced bell pepper, sliced red onion, fajita seasoning, drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and thawed corn. Mix everything well until it’s evenly coated.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the chicken and veggie mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top the mixture with about half of the shredded cheese, saving the rest for later.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove it from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden.
📝 Final Note on Fajita Casserole
This casserole tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or fresh salsa.
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe
This chicken and zucchini casserole is a great way to use fresh zucchini from your garden or the store. It’s cheesy, full of tender chicken, and makes a healthy, comforting meal for your family.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Zucchini Casserole
- Zucchini Prep: Slice your zucchini thinly so it cooks through nicely and blends well with the other ingredients.
- Moisture Control: Zucchini can release a lot of water. If it looks very wet, lightly pat the slices dry with a paper towel before adding them to your mix.
- Creamy Base: Using a can of cream of chicken soup helps create a wonderfully creamy and flavorful sauce for the casserole.
What You Need for Zucchini Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 50 minutes🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make Your Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Step 1: Prep Veggies and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly softened.
Step 2: Combine Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked diced chicken, the sautéed onion and zucchini, cream of chicken soup, milk, and about 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the chicken and zucchini mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top. If you like a little crunch, you can also sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
📝 Final Note on Zucchini Casserole
You can easily add other quick-cooking veggies like chopped mushrooms or spinach to this casserole for even more goodness. Just sauté them with the zucchini and onion.
