This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty mix of chicken, peppers, and cheese. It’s colorful, filling, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
I love how all the flavors come together without much effort. Just toss everything in a dish and let the oven do the work. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! 🌶️🍗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Using shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this casserole. It saves time, and the flavor is fantastic. You can also use leftover chicken or even swap it for shredded turkey if you’re looking for a change.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and flavor. If you’re short on supplies, yellow or orange peppers work nicely as well. You can even use frozen bell peppers if fresh ones aren’t available.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to tear them into small pieces so they mix well with the other ingredients.
Sour Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It gives a similar creaminess while adding some extra protein.
Cheese: I love using a Mexican blend cheese, but if you prefer sharp cheddar or a milder cheese, feel free to substitute. Just ensure it’s a good melting cheese for the best texture.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Creamy and Delicious?
To get that perfect creamy consistency, focus on mixing the sour cream and tomatoes well. They should coat the chicken and peppers evenly. This step helps the tortillas absorb moisture while still softening enough to blend into the casserole.
- Make sure your chicken is fully shredded to avoid clumps.
- Gently fold in the tortilla pieces so they can soak up the sauce without breaking apart.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden—this gives the casserole a lovely texture on top!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
- 4-6 small flour tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, jalapeños, avocado, salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes before it’s ready to serve, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so nothing sticks.
2. Mix the Chicken and Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, and diced onion. This colorful mix will add lots of flavor and nutrition to your casserole!
3. Add Creaminess and Flavor:
Stir in the sour cream, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the fajita seasoning mix. Mix everything well so that each ingredient is coated in that tasty mixture.
4. Fold in the Tortillas:
Now, gently fold in the cut tortilla pieces. This helps them soak up the moisture from the other ingredients while still staying soft enough to eat.
5. Spread in the Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures that every bite will have all those delicious flavors!
6. Top with Cheese:
Cover everything with your shredded cheese. Make sure it’s evenly distributed over the top for that melty goodness.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take the casserole out and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and any other optional toppings you like.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole warm, and consider pairing it with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and you’re ready to go!
How Can I Make This Casserole Spicier?
If you love a kick, consider adding some sliced jalapeños to the mix or use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the fajita seasoning for extra heat!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven—add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or more sour cream before reheating.
