This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty one-dish meal filled with chicken, colorful bell peppers, and lots of cheese. It’s warm, cheesy goodness that everyone will love!
What’s better? It’s super easy to make! Just toss everything together, bake, and enjoy. I can’t resist sneaking bites before it’s even on the table! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I always use cooked chicken breast, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for an easier option. Shredded turkey works too if you want a different flavor!
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add color and sweetness. If you don’t have them, try yellow peppers, or even frozen mixed peppers—they’re already chopped and save time!
Cheese: Using cheddar and Monterey Jack gives great flavor and meltiness. You can easily swap them for pepper jack for an extra kick or any cheese you prefer.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you want something healthier. Cream cheese can work too; just soften it first.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are my go-to, but corn tortillas add a nice flavor too. You could even use tortilla chips for a crunchy topping!
How Can I Make Sure My Casserole is Well-Mixed?
Mixing the ingredients properly is key to a tasty casserole. Here are some tips:
- Start by combining the chicken, veggies, and seasonings first. This helps distribute spices evenly.
- When you add the tortillas, gently stir so they soak up all those yummy flavors without breaking apart.
- Don’t forget to spread the mixture evenly in the dish to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
Following these steps will give you a delightful mix that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 large flour tortillas, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you can have a hearty meal on the table in about 40 minutes or less. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, add your cooked chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, diced onion, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sour cream. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring the spices and ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add the Tortillas:
Now, toss in the cut tortilla pieces into the mixture. Gently stir so that the tortillas are well-coated. They will soak up the yummy flavors as they bake!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
5. Top it with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese generously on top. This will give you that ooey-gooey cheesy topping everyone loves!
6. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to serve. Then, scoop out portions and serve warm, with optional sides like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa!
This casserole is a delightful mix of cheesy, spicy, and comforting flavors, just like classic chicken fajitas but in a super simple baked dish. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked?
Absolutely! Just cook your chicken first—grilling, baking, or sautéing are all great methods. Once cooked, shred or dice it before adding it to the casserole.
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No problem! You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use cream cheese for a richer flavor. Just remember to soften cream cheese before mixing!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add in more veggies, like zucchini, corn, or black beans, for extra protein. You could also incorporate a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
