This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a crowd-pleaser! With tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices, it’s a tasty twist on traditional fajitas.
This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and hearty. Just layer it up, bake, and enjoy—easy peasy! Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that brings everyone together? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is the star here! You can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, consider using black beans or cooked lentils as a protein substitute.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add color and flavor. If you’re out of these, yellow or orange peppers work too! For a bit of heat, try adding some jalapeños.
Cheeses: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices. If you’re dairy-free, you can use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for some cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. Light cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option. Just ensure they’re well mixed so it stays smooth.
Flour Tortillas: These give the dish its fajita feel. If you need a gluten-free option, corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps can replace them without losing taste.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Chicken Fajita Casserole?
Seasoning is key for great flavor in this casserole! Here are a few techniques to enhance the taste:
- Mix the fajita seasoning well with cream cheese and sour cream. This ensures an even flavor throughout the dish.
- Don’t skip the sautéing! If you have time, lightly sauté the bell peppers and onion before mixing them in. This adds great depth of flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. It helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to scoop!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 (1-ounce) packet fajita seasoning mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 10 small flour tortillas (6-inch size), torn into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole will take around 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in about 45 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil—this helps prevent sticking.
2. Make the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and fajita seasoning. Mix them together until everything is smooth and well blended. This will be the creamy flavor base for your casserole!
3. Add the Chicken and Veggies:
Next, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, chopped onion, and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Make sure everything is well combined to spread those delicious flavors throughout.
4. Incorporate the Cheese:
Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and, if you like, all of the Monterey Jack cheese for extra richness. This will add a delightful cheesy texture to your casserole.
5. Mix in the Tortillas:
Tear the flour tortillas into bite-sized pieces and gently fold them into the mixture. This step allows the tortillas to soak up the creamy goodness!
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the entire mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish. Make sure it looks nice and even!
7. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This will create a lovely cheesy crust!
8. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps everything to heat through properly.
9. Finish Baking:
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbly with a light golden color.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it as is or add toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for that extra flair!
This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is perfect for family dinners and guarantees all the delicious flavors of chicken fajitas in a cozy, baked dish. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly here. Just shred it and follow the recipe as directed. It’s a great way to use up any extra chicken you have on hand!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a kick, add sliced jalapeños or diced green chilies to the mix! You can also use a spicier fajita seasoning or sprinkle some cayenne pepper in with the cream cheese mixture for an extra heat boost.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bake it right before serving. You may need to add an additional 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 individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole with foil and bake until heated through.
