This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a warm and filling dish that brings the flavors of fajitas right to your table. It’s packed with juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and lots of melty cheese!
I love making this when I’m short on time but want something comforting. It’s basically a fiesta in a dish, and leftovers (if there are any) are just as tasty the next day! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s juicy and saves prep time. If you don’t have that, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, like grilled or poached chicken.
Bell Peppers: I use red and green for color and flavor. Feel free to substitute with any bell peppers you like! Yellow or orange peppers can give a sweet twist, and you can also add jalapeños for some heat.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It provides similar texture and a bit of tang too!
Cheese: I love using cheddar and Monterey Jack for that perfect melt. You can switch them up for other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Nice and Creamy?
The trick to a creamy casserole is how you mix the ingredients. Ensure the sour cream and cheese mixture is smooth before adding in the chicken and peppers. Here’s a quick tip:
- Combine the sour cream and cheeses together well to avoid lumps.
- Mix in the chicken and veggies gently, so everything is coated evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish to help it bake consistently.
Trust me, following these points will make your casserole creamy and delicious!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it ready for our yummy casserole!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they’re soft. Yum!
3. Add Chicken and Seasoning:
Now, add the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the fajita seasoning mix, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together for about 3-4 minutes until it’s heated through and well mixed.
4. Mix the Cheese and Sour Cream:
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix them together well to ensure it’s creamy.
5. Combine All the Goodness:
Add the chicken and pepper mixture to the sour cream and cheese mixture, stirring until everything is mixed together.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks well.
7. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. More cheese means more flavor!
8. Bake:
Pop the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once you take it out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Garnish with some chopped cilantro or green onions if you like.
10. Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole with tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the fiesta of flavors!
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with the classic flavors of chicken fajitas – perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or dice it up, and you’ll save time while making this delicious casserole!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love a kick of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for extra spice!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or cover and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
