This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty mix of chicken, colorful veggies, and cheesy goodness all baked together. It’s like a fiesta in a dish!
I love how quick it is to throw together! Just chop, mix, and bake. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something yummy without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer, leftover grilled chicken works wonderfully too. For a vegetarian option, try roasted veggies or chickpeas instead.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers give great color and sweetness. If you don’t have them, any type of pepper will do, including yellow or orange. Even zucchini could be an interesting twist!
Onion: A small onion adds flavor. If you dislike onions, you can skip them or use onion powder as a substitution to keep some flavor without the texture.
Sour Cream: If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It adds creaminess while being lower in calories and higher in protein.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional, but if you’re avoiding gluten, corn tortillas are a good alternative. You can also use tortilla chips for a fun crunchy top!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Even Cooking in a Casserole?
Proper mixing and layering help the casserole cook evenly. Here’s how to make sure your dish is perfectly cooked:
- Make sure to combine the chicken and veggies well, so every bite is flavorful.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish to promote even cooking.
- Check it in the middle of baking; if your oven runs hot, cover it with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
Letting it sit for a few minutes after baking helps firm up the casserole and makes serving easier!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 each red bell pepper, diced
- 1 each green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 8 small flour tortillas, cut or torn into pieces
Additional Needs:
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a warm, delicious dish on your table in about 40 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. This will help your casserole not stick to the dish when it’s done.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, and diced onion. Stir them together until they’re well combined.
3. Add Creamy Goodness:
Next, add in the sour cream, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the fajita seasoning mix. Give everything a good stir to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Fold in the Tortillas:
Now, it’s time to add the torn or cut flour tortillas to the mixture. Gently fold them in so that they’re coated with the filling but don’t break them down too much.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour this delicious mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it cooks nice and evenly all the way through.
6. Cheese, Please!
Top the casserole with the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Make sure to spread it out so that every bite gets cheesy goodness!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly, and the cheese is melted and has a slight golden color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time will help it firm up a bit. Then, scoop onto plates and enjoy your comforting, cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole!
This dish is a fun and simple way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of fajitas without the fuss. Perfect for busy nights and a surefire hit with the family!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Yes! If you prefer to use fresh chicken, simply poach or grill the chicken breast first until fully cooked, then shred or dice it. This adds fresh flavor to the casserole!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave portions or warm them in the oven until heated through.
How Can I Spice It Up?
If you like a little heat, consider adding jalapeños (fresh or pickled) to the mixture or using a spicier fajita seasoning. You can also top it with hot sauce when serving for an extra kick!
