Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and comforting Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender cooked chicken with sautéed bell peppers and onions, creamy cheeses, and a blend of warm spices. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, this casserole makes for a satisfying, easy-to-make weeknight dinner. It can be served over rice, stuffed into warm tortillas, or paired with crispy tortilla chips for a versatile meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced red onion. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked shredded or chopped chicken. Then add the sautéed vegetables, sour cream, softened cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined into a creamy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the combined chicken and vegetable mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Serve over rice, in warm tortillas, or with tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Feel free to add black beans or corn to the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well in the oven or microwave.
- Use gluten-free seasonings to keep the casserole gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
