This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is full of flavor and super easy to make! With tender chicken, colorful peppers, and tasty cheese, it’s a dish everyone will love.
What I love most is how it all comes together in one pan! Less mess means more time to enjoy it with family. Plus, it’s great for leftovers—if there are any! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is great for this recipe, as it’s quick and flavorful. If you want to make it vegetarian, try using black beans or chickpeas instead!
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. Use any favorite peppers, like yellow or orange, depending on what you have on hand.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives a nice creamy texture. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter option, or you could use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works too. It’s a healthier option and gives a similar tangy flavor.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are the base, but corn tortillas or even tortilla chips can work. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortillas.
How Do You Achieve the Best Layering for the Casserole?
Getting the layers just right is key for texture and flavor! Follow these steps for a perfect casserole:
- Start with half of the tortilla strips, laying them evenly at the bottom. This creates a great base.
- Spread half of your filling mixture over the tortillas. Make sure it’s even for balanced flavors.
- Add the rest of the tortilla strips on the filling, creating another layer.
- Finally, top it with the remaining filling and sprinkle leftover cheese for a melty topping.
- This layering method ensures everyone gets a taste of each flavor and ingredient!
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
For the Creamy Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheese reserved for topping
For Flavor:
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Layering:
- 6-8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips or quarters
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Fajita Casserole will take about 15 minutes for prep time and roughly 40 minutes total to bake and cool. You’ll have a warm, cheesy dish ready to enjoy in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Create the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the sour cream until you have a smooth mixture. This will be the creamy base for your casserole that adds rich flavor!
3. Mix in the Flavors:
Add the shredded chicken, diced red and green bell peppers, diced onion, and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies to the bowl. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Add the Cheese:
Now, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, but save about ½ cup for the top layer later. This gives a melty finish to the casserole.
5. Layer the Tortillas:
Place half of the tortilla strips evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. This creates a solid foundation for your tasty layers.
6. Build the Casserole:
Spread half of the chicken and fajita mixture over the tortilla layer. Then, add the rest of the tortilla strips on top of that layer followed by the remaining chicken mixture. This ensures that each bite is filled with flavor!
7. Final Touch with Cheese:
Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes!
8. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This allows it to set a little before serving. Enjoy it warm, and feel free to top it with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor!
This easy chicken fajita casserole is a fantastic meal option, packing in all the delicious flavors of chicken fajitas in a cozy, cheesy bake. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this casserole. Just shred it and mix it into your creamy mixture for a quick and delicious meal!
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin. You can also omit the diced tomatoes with green chilies, or use a milder salsa instead to control the heat.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, corn, or even spinach add great flavors and textures. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quick option!
