This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a fun, one-dish meal that’s packed with tasty chicken, colorful peppers, and zesty spices. It’s like a taco party in a casserole dish!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that takes minimal effort? Just throw it all together, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to wow your family—no fancy cooking skills needed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep. If you prefer something lighter, try cooked diced turkey instead. For a vegetarian twist, consider using black beans or chickpeas.
Bell Peppers: I love using both red and green peppers for their flavors and colors. If you can’t get these, yellow or orange peppers can work too. Frozen bell peppers can also be a good alternative.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds great flavor! If you don’t have this exact can, use regular canned tomatoes and add some diced jalapeños or chili powder to spice it up.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute that keeps the dish creamy. Dairy-free options like almond or coconut yogurt are also available if you’re going dairy-free.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack give great flavor, but feel free to switch them for mozzarella or pepper jack if you want extra spice. Vegan cheese can work well too!
How Do You Ensure Your Casserole is Creamy and Delicious?
Getting that perfect creamy texture in your casserole is all about mixing the right ingredients and baking them just right. Follow these steps:
- Use a mix of sour cream and milk to achieve that desirable creaminess. Adjust the milk if you want it thicker or thinner.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese on top! It not only creates a delicious topping but also keeps everything moist.
- Mix well to combine all flavors. The right balance of seasonings and sour cream makes every bite rich and flavorful.
Baking the casserole until it’s bubbly and slightly golden is crucial. Letting it sit for a few minutes after baking helps set everything and makes serving easier!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at about 40 minutes until you can dig into this delicious casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, take a moment to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. This will help prevent your casserole from sticking!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add your diced red and green bell peppers, along with the optional diced onions. Sauté these for about 5 minutes or until they’re softened and fragrant. This adds so much flavor to your casserole!
3. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, throw in the cooked chicken, your sautéed veggies, the drained canned tomatoes with green chilies, fajita seasoning, sour cream, milk, and the crushed tortilla chips. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Pour your colorful mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. This will ensure that every bite has the same delicious flavor!
5. Add the Cheese:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. Cheese makes everything better!
6. Bake It Up:
Place your dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and beautifully golden on top.
7. Let It Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps it hold together when you serve. Feel free to add toppings like sour cream, salsa, or sliced avocado for even more deliciousness!
Enjoy your Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole! It’s a perfect meal for busy nights and is sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
How Can I Make This Casserole Spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider using spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies or adding sliced jalapeños to the mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the seasoning blend!
Can I Prep This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy.
