This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a colorful and tasty dish with tender chicken, bell peppers, and zesty seasonings. It’s all baked together with cheesy goodness on top!
Making this casserole feels like a fun fiesta in the kitchen! I love serving it with tortilla chips or a side salad for a vibrant meal the whole family enjoys. 🌮🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star of this dish. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or leftover chicken from another meal. If you’re vegetarian, try using black beans or chickpeas instead for a protein boost!
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add color and crunch. Feel free to swap them for yellow or orange peppers, or even use canned diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile. For a spicy kick, add some jalapeño!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works great as a substitute. Both options help bind the casserole together nicely.
Cheeses: Cheddar and Monterey Jack give a gooey texture. You could use a Mexican cheese blend or even pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. If you’re dairy-free, there are great vegan cheese alternatives on the market!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Layering in My Casserole?
Layering is key to making sure every bite is delicious. Start by mixing your chicken and veggies well so that the flavors marry nicely. When you pour this mix into the baking dish, press it down slightly to create an even layer.
- Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed on top for a nice golden finish.
- If you want a crunch, layer some crushed tortilla chips between cheese layers.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes to trap steam and help everything cook through, then remove to let the top brown.
Giving attention to these details will help ensure a perfectly melted cheese top and a flavorful base underneath!
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 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional, for added bulk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and then 25–30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy dish for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you pop in the casserole. While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gather your shredded chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, and chopped onion if you decided to use it. If you want a bit of extra heartiness, toss in your cooked rice too! Now, sprinkle in the fajita seasoning mix and stir everything together until it’s well coated with the spices. This mix should smell amazing!
3. Add the Creaminess:
Next, add the sour cream to the mixture and gently stir it until all the ingredients are evenly combined. This will make your casserole creamy and delicious. Once everything is mixed well, it’s time to transfer it into your greased baking dish.
4. Top with Cheese:
Spread the chicken and veggie mixture evenly across the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese generously over the top. Cheese is always a good idea, right?
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbling and the cheese to be melted and slightly golden. Your kitchen should smell fantastic by now!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out (careful, it’s hot!) and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm, and consider side options like tortilla chips for dipping, salsa for a kick, or fresh cilantro for a little garnish on top!
Enjoy your quick and flavorful Chicken Fajita Casserole! It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred or chop it and mix it in. It’s a great way to save time and reduce food waste!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream. It provides a similar creaminess with added protein. Alternatively, you can use a non-dairy yogurt if you’re dairy-free.
How Can I Make This Casserole Spicier?
For a spicier kick, you can add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for an extra spicy flavor.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
