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Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a quick and easy Tex-Mex dish that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, sautéed onions, melty cheese, and flavorful fajita spices in a cozy baked casserole. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a fuss-free weeknight meal, it offers vibrant flavors and satisfying textures all in one dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 medium onion, sliced thin
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder)

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream

Other

  • 6 soft flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken and Vegetables: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season them generously with the fajita seasoning. Thinly slice the red, green, and yellow bell peppers as well as the onion to ensure even cooking and harmonious blending in the casserole.
  2. Sauté Chicken and Veggies: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken strips until they are just cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Then, sauté the bell peppers and onions until tender and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish lightly. Begin by layering soft flour tortillas evenly at the bottom. Evenly spread half of the cooked chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions over the tortillas. Next, add a layer of diced tomatoes and spoon sour cream over them. Sprinkle a portion of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top. Repeat this layering process and finish with a generous top layer of cheese to create a gooey crust.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for richer, more vibrant flavors.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan while sautéing; cook chicken and vegetables in batches if needed to promote browning instead of steaming.
  • Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking so it firms up and is easier to cut.
  • Customize the cheese blend for different flavors and melt qualities—try pepper jack or queso fresco.
  • Add crunch by topping with crushed tortilla chips or toasted breadcrumbs before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken fajita casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, easy weeknight dinner, fajita recipe, cheesy casserole, family-friendly dinner