This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole brings together tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and tasty spices, all baked in one dish. It’s like a fiesta in your kitchen!
I love how simple this is! Just mix everything, pop it in the oven, and wait for the yummy smells. Perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken breast for best texture. If you don’t have cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You can also use turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack provide a nice melt and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using reduced-fat cheese, or for a dairy-free alternative, go for vegan cheese shreds.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add color and crunch. Feel free to mix it up with yellow or orange bell peppers, or even add some diced jalapeños for extra heat!
Fajita Seasoning: This spice mix packs flavor! If you don’t have it on hand, a mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder will work. Adjust to your taste!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas work wonderfully, but corn tortillas or even tortilla chips can be used. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortillas or simply skip them entirely.
How Do You Ensure Your Casserole Doesn’t Get Soggy?
Layering correctly is key to preventing a soggy casserole. Here’s how:
- Start with a layer of tortillas if desired—this helps absorb moisture.
- Make sure your vegetables, especially tomatoes, are well-drained to avoid excess liquid.
- Let the casserole rest after baking. This helps everything set and makes it easier to serve.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and perfectly textured casserole every time!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional for added bulk)
- 8-10 small flour tortillas or tortilla chips (optional as base or topping)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour! Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. This will help your casserole not to stick!
2. Mix the Filling:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, diced onion, sour cream, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, fajita seasoning, and cooked rice if you’re using it. Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Layer the Tortillas (if using):
If you want a great base for your casserole, tear or cut some small flour tortillas and place them in the bottom of your greased casserole dish. This layer helps absorb moisture and gives the casserole more structure.
4. Add the Chicken Mixture:
Carefully pour the chicken mixture over the tortilla layer, spreading it evenly. If you didn’t use tortillas at the bottom, just pour it directly into the dish!
5. Add the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle about half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the chicken mixture. You want a good cheesy layer here!
6. Add More Tortillas (optional):
If you like, add another thin layer of torn tortillas on top before adding the remaining cheese. This extra layer is all about making it even heartier—but you can skip this if you want less carbs!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist, and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
8. Golden Cheese Time:
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and a bit golden on the edges!
9. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. This will help everything set and make it easier to serve.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your chicken fajita casserole warm. You can garnish it with sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or some sliced jalapeños if you want a little heat. Enjoy this colorful, cheesy dish with your family!
Enjoy your yummy Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole! It’s sure to be a hit!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole FAQ
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is a great time-saver. Just shred or dice it before mixing it into the casserole to keep it delicious and easy!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option or cream cheese for a richer flavor. Both will add creaminess to your casserole!
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
