This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a colorful dish filled with chicken, peppers, and cheese, all baked together for a warm, hearty meal. It’s super simple to whip up, making dinner a breeze!
I love how it’s a one-pan wonder—less mess and more time to enjoy! Serve it with some tortilla chips, and you’re all set for a cozy night. Trust me, it will disappear fast! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken works best, but any leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be easily used. You can also use turkey if that’s what you have on hand!
Bell Peppers: I recommend using both red and green for color and taste, but feel free to swap them out for yellow or orange peppers. They all bring a sweet crunch to the dish!
Cheese: For a richer flavor, I love combining cheddar and Monterey Jack, but you can use pepper jack for some heat. Any melty cheese will work well here, so get creative!
Fajita Seasoning: If you’re out of store-bought seasoning, a mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika can mimic the flavors. Adjust to your taste!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are my go-to, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. Just cut them into smaller pieces for the best texture in the casserole.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Comes Out Perfectly Creamy?
A key to achieving that creamy texture is the right balance of wet ingredients. Mixing sour cream and cream cheese gives a smooth, rich base. Remember:
- Soften your cream cheese before mixing—this eliminates lumps.
- If the mixture feels too thick after adding the cheese, don’t hesitate to add a bit of milk gradually while mixing.
- Be sure to coat the tortilla pieces well in the mixture so they absorb all that tasty goodness.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps flavors meld and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your meal with fresh sides for the best experience!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 8-10 small flour tortillas, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, for consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake, making the total time needed approximately 40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’ll have the whole family gathered around the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or cooking spray. Sauté the diced red and green bell peppers along with the onion for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, sour cream, softened cream cheese, fajita seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined, and if it feels too thick, add up to 1/2 cup of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Add the Tortillas:
Gently stir in the cut tortilla pieces until they are well coated in the creamy mixture. This will help infuse the delicious fajita flavors throughout the casserole!
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Make sure to spread it out nicely across the dish.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of your casserole. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
7. Bake It:
Place the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and for the cheese on top to be melted and slightly golden.
8. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it hold together better when you serve it!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish it out warm, and consider serving it with sides like guacamole, salsa, or extra sour cream for dipping. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and flavorful chicken fajita casserole with your family and friends!
It’s a delightful meal that’s sure to please! 🌟
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work great in this recipe. Just shred or dice it before adding it to the mix!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for the cream cheese. Just keep in mind that it will alter the texture slightly but still keep it creamy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
