This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty mix of chicken, peppers, and cheesy goodness—all baked up in one dish! It’s like a taco night but in a cozy casserole form.
You know what’s great? It’s super simple to make, and the whole family will love it. It’s perfect for busy days—just mix, layer, and let the oven do the work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use any leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken for ease. If you need a meatless option, try black beans or chickpeas instead.
Bell Peppers: While I love the combo of red and green, you can use any peppers you have on hand. Yellow or orange peppers add sweetness, while jalapeños can spice things up!
Sour Cream: If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and adds a nice creaminess too.
Taco Seasoning: If you’re out of taco seasoning, mix cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for a homemade version. Or you can use any other seasoning you like!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great, but feel free to use what you have. Pepper Jack or any other melting cheese can add different flavors.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Comes Out Perfectly Every Time?
Assembling a casserole is pretty simple, but here are some tips to get it just right:
- Make sure to preheat your oven so the casserole cooks evenly.
- Don’t skip the sautéing step for the peppers and onion! This enhances their flavor and softness.
- Layer the cheese evenly on top—this helps it melt uniformly and get that beautiful bubbly texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. Look for that melted, golden top!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional for extra bulk)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Once done, take them off the heat and set aside.
3. Mix All Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, taco seasoning, sour cream, and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you’re using rice, add that in too. Mix everything together until well combined. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning and sour cream.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the chicken mixture into the greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so every bit gets cooked well.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of your mixture. This cheesy layer is what makes it irresistibly good!
6. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly—just like a perfect casserole should be!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s beautifully baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. It can be super hot right out of the oven!
8. Garnish (Optional):
If you want to fancy it up, add some fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole right before serving. These extras will add great flavor and color.
Now, dig in and enjoy your comforting and flavorful chicken fajita casserole!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred or chop it and use it in place of cooked chicken in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you prefer a lighter option or don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It provides a similar creaminess and tang!
