This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole brings all the tasty flavors of fajitas into a cozy dish! Packed with chicken, bell peppers, and cheesy goodness, it’s a one-pan wonder!
My favorite part? I can whip it up quickly on busy nights! Everyone loves it, and I love that it makes delicious leftovers, too. Who doesn’t enjoy a meal that’s this easy and tasty? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken works best here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken. If vegetarian, try using chickpeas or a plant-based chicken substitute.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add flavor and color. You can substitute them with yellow or orange peppers for sweetness or use zucchini for a different twist.
Cheese: I love using cheddar and Monterey Jack for a melty texture. If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, try reduced-fat options or swap for vegan cheese to make it dairy-free.
Sour Cream and Cream Cheese: These add creaminess. You could use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For a vegan option, coconut cream can work as a substitute for both.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables to Bring Out Their Flavor?
Sautéing adds a wonderful flavor and texture to your dish. Here’s the method to get it right:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add your olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in your diced vegetables (like bell peppers and onions).
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally.
- Adding spices at this point allows them to bloom, making your dish flavorful.
Make sure not to rush this step! Properly sautéed veggies add depth to your casserole.
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 8 oz tortilla chips, crushed (optional base)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, totaling around 40-45 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner that still packs a flavor punch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and turns out perfectly bubbly and cheesy!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced red and green bell peppers and onion. Sauté these veggies until they’re soft and fragrant, roughly 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
3. Add the Spices:
Once the veggies are soft, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, cooking for another minute to let the spices release their amazing aroma.
4. Mix Together the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed pepper and onion mixture, sour cream, cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until everything is mixed together and creamy.
5. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
If you’re using tortilla chips, spread the crushed chips evenly at the bottom of a greased casserole dish. This will add a nice crunch and serve as a tasty base.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla chip base (if using). If you skipped the chips, just pour directly into the greased dish. Smooth it out with a spatula for an even layer!
7. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the mixture. Don’t be shy—it’s all about the cheesy goodness!
8. Bake It Up:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. It’s ready when it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
9. Let It Cool:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a little and make it easier to serve.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your casserole with fresh chopped cilantro for a touch of flavor and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful chicken fajita casserole that’s packed with all the flavors you love!
This comforting casserole delivers all the tasty chicken fajita flavors in one easy bake and will surely become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or dice it before adding it to the casserole mixture!
Can I Make This Casserole Spicier?
Yes! If you like more heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of sour cream or chicken broth to help revive it!
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until warmed through.
