This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful one-pan meal packed with chicken, peppers, and cheesy goodness. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy nights!
On top of that, it smells amazing while cooking! I love to throw in some tortilla chips for crunch. You can also customize it with your favorite toppings—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken for speed. Rotisserie chicken works great here! For a vegetarian option, try canned black beans or cooked quinoa instead.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and sweetness. If you’re out, swap them for any color bell pepper or use frozen mixed peppers.
Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: These make the casserole creamy. Greek yogurt can be a healthier swap for sour cream. For dairy-free options, use cashew cream or vegan cream cheese.
Taco Seasoning: You can make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. It’s a great way to adjust spice levels to your taste!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics for flavor but feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Sauté My Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables properly will bring out their sweetness and enhance your casserole’s flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook them until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Now, add the diced bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes until both the onions and peppers are tender.
- Don’t rush—cooking them too fast can burn them instead of caramelizing.
Perfectly sautéed veggies will add a delightful taste and texture to your casserole!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning or fajita seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready when it’s time to bake your casserole.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them until they are tender and slightly caramelized—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, sour cream, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Stir well until everything is mixed together nicely.
4. Add the Cheese:
Now, add half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the mixture. Stir until everything is combined. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Transfer the filling mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite is loaded with flavor.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, Monterey Jack, and optional Mexican blend cheese over the top of the casserole. This cheese layer will turn bubbly and delicious while it bakes!
7. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, turning golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help set the layers and make serving easier.
9. Enjoy:
Serve your delightful casserole with tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, or extra sour cream if you’d like. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
This casserole is creamy and cheesy, packed with colorful peppers for a delightful flavor and texture. It’s a perfect easy weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this casserole. Just shred it and follow the same instructions. It’s a great way to use up any extra chicken you have!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. Both will still provide creaminess but reduce the overall fat content.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating!
