Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

If you love the flavors of chicken fajitas but want something more comforting and easy to make for a family dinner, look no further than this Chicken Fajita Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, cheese, and all the bold flavors of fajitas, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and delicious. Plus, everything comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips, just like you would for fajitas.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing until they’re slightly softened (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and cook the chicken strips until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Season with half of the fajita seasoning as it cooks.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Fajita Sauce

1. Blend Sour Cream and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and the remaining fajita seasoning until smooth and well-combined.
2. Cheese Time: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and ½ cup of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese into the sour cream mixture. This will form the creamy sauce base for your casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: In the greased casserole dish, begin layering:
   • First Layer: Spread half of the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom.
   • Second Layer: Add a layer of sautéed peppers and onions.
   • Third Layer: Spread half of the creamy fajita sauce on top.
   • Repeat: Repeat the layers with the remaining chicken, peppers, onions, and sauce.
2. Top with Cheese: Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar and Pepper Jack cheese on top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Optional: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Add Toppings: Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños if desired.
3. Serve: Enjoy with a side of tortilla chips, Mexican rice, or even on its own for a filling, satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Fajita Casserole

This casserole is versatile and can be paired with various sides to make a full meal. Here are some serving ideas:

With Rice:

• Serve your Chicken Fajita Casserole alongside Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice for a complete, hearty dinner.

As a Burrito Filling:

• Use the casserole as a filling for burritos or wraps. Simply spoon the mixture into tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and roll it up.

With Tortilla Chips:

• Pair it with tortilla chips for scooping up the cheesy, creamy casserole. It’s a perfect way to enjoy this dish at a party or casual gathering.

On a Salad:

• For a lighter option, serve the casserole over a bed of greens for a Fajita Salad. Drizzle with salsa or your favorite dressing.

Tips for the Best Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and mix it with the sautéed veggies and creamy sauce.
• Make it Spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Add Beans or Corn: For extra texture and flavor, toss in some black beans or corn before layering the casserole.
• Tortilla Layers: You can also layer the casserole with soft flour or corn tortillas for more of an enchilada-style dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Full of Flavor: The fajita seasoning, combined with the creamy sauce and melty cheese, creates a rich and delicious dish.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy texture and mild spices make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients like beans, corn, or jalapeños.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• In the Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Fajita Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high until warmed.

Freezing:

• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Chicken Fajita Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone who loves the flavors of fajitas but wants the ease of a casserole. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with juicy chicken and sautéed peppers creates an irresistible meal that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well and add a bit more juiciness to the casserole.
3. What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?
   You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or extra cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning to increase the heat level.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
   Yes! Feel free to add veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.
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   Yield: 6

   Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

   

   Print

   If you love the flavors of chicken fajitas but want something more comforting and easy to make for a family dinner, look no further than this Chicken Fajita Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, cheese, and all the bold flavors of fajitas, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and delicious. Plus, everything comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!

   Prep Time 15 minutes

   Cook Time 35 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1 packet fajita seasoning (or homemade, see notes)
   • 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
   • 1 onion, sliced
   • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
   • 1 cup sour cream
   • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
   • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (such as Rotel)
   • 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
   • 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for moisture)
   • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. Preheat the Oven:
      Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
   2. Cook the Chicken:
      Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the chicken, then add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté everything together for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are softened.
   3. Prepare the Casserole:
      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, cumin, and cooked rice (if using). Stir everything together until well mixed. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit of chicken broth for added moisture.
   4. Assemble the Casserole:
      Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with shredded Mexican cheese.
   5. Bake:
      Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
   6. Serve:
      Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or a side salad.

   Notes

   • Fajita Seasoning: You can use store-bought fajita seasoning, or make your own with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
   • Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition.
   • Cheese: For a spicier kick, you can swap in pepper jack cheese.
   • Make it Low Carb: Skip the rice for a low-carb version.