This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty mix of chicken, colorful peppers, and cheese all baked together. It’s like having fajitas in a cozy dish!
It’s super simple to make! Just throw everything in a dish and let the oven do its magic. I love serving it with some tortilla chips for extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: For a quick option, store-bought rotisserie chicken works great. You can also use leftover chicken or even turkey! If you need a vegetarian option, try substituting with black beans or grilled veggies.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add color and sweetness, but feel free to use yellow or orange peppers as well. If bell peppers aren’t available, zucchini or corn could also bring great flavor to the dish.
Fajita Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning saves time, but you can make your own blend with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust spices according to your taste for a mild or spicy kick.
Creaminess: Sour cream adds creaminess; you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. If you’re looking for dairy-free, try using cashew cream or a plant-based sour cream.
How Do I Layer Everything for the Best Casserole?
Layering is key to ensure every bite is packed with flavor! Start with the chicken and veggie mixture, but don’t rush it. Make sure it’s evenly spread. Add cheese where indicated, as this helps create a cheesy crust on top and keeps the dish moist.
- After adding your chicken mixture, spread it well across the baking dish.
- Layer half of the cheddar cheese, letting some melt into the chicken mix, then top it with the lighter Monterey Jack. This mix of cheeses offers great texture!
- Always finish with cheese on top for that gooey melted goodness.
By layering properly, your casserole will be not only delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 package (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional: chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 40 minutes. In just under an hour, you can have a delicious and satisfying casserole ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in!
2. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, and diced onion. Then, add in the sour cream, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the fajita seasoning mix. Stir everything together well so that all the ingredients are nicely blended.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom. It’s important to flatten it out so that it cooks evenly!
4. Layer with Cheese:
Now, top your mixture with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. After that, sprinkle all of the Monterey Jack cheese on top. This creates a delicious layer of melted cheese!
5. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden, showing that the cheese is melting perfectly!
6. Finish with More Cheese:
Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Pop it back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and delightful.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, you can garnish it with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole with some tortilla chips, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for a complete meal. Yum!
This casserole is loaded with cheesy goodness and lively flavors that bring all the fajita tastes together in one easy dish. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and adds great flavor. Just shred it and use as directed in the recipe, making prep super quick!
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No problem! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar texture and taste. Alternatively, use cream cheese for a richer flavor.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also use hotter varieties of diced tomatoes, like those with habaneros!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If it feels dry, add a splash of water or broth when reheating!
