This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty mix of chicken, colorful peppers, and spices, all baked into a warm, cheesy dish. It’s like a fiesta in one pan!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a one-dish meal? Just combine, bake, and enjoy without the messy cleanup. Perfect for busy nights or when friends come over! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any leftover cooked chicken or even shredded turkey works well too!
Bell peppers: Red and green peppers add color and flavor, but you can swap in yellow or orange peppers if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Diced tomatoes: If you can’t find the canned version with chilies, plain diced tomatoes work just fine. You could also use fresh tomatoes added in at the end of cooking!
Cheeses: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, but feel free to use other melting cheeses, like Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Rice: If you want to keep it low-carb, leave out the rice or use cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
How Do I Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted?
One of the best features of the casserole is that cheesy top! To achieve that perfect melt, follow these simple steps:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to easily mix in.
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor and gooeyness!
- Keep the casserole uncovered while baking for the last 10 minutes to get that cheesy top nice and bubbly.
Letting it cool for a few minutes before serving helps the cheese firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 packet fajita seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for more bulk)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes! Perfect for a quick family dinner or a get-together with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for your casserole. This ensures that everything bakes evenly.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced onion. Cook them until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure they don’t burn.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, drained tomatoes with chilies, cream cheese, sour cream, and the fajita seasoning. If you’re using cooked rice for extra filling, add that too. Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined.
4. Season and Pour:
Give your mixture a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Then, take a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour the mixture into it, spreading it evenly across the dish.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This is where the cheesy goodness comes in!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven (make sure it’s uncovered!) and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown.
7. Let it Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes—this helps everything set. Then scoop some onto a plate and enjoy!
8. Optional Toppings:
Feel free to top your serving with extra sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro for some fresh flavor. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and colorful Chicken Fajita Casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred or dice it before mixing it into the casserole.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave portions for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. It will still give you that creamy texture while slightly altering the flavor!
