This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a comforting dish packed with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s like a fiesta on your plate!
I love how this casserole comes together quickly, making dinner stress-free. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? It’s a hit with my family every time! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually go for rotisserie chicken since it saves time and adds great flavor. If you want to keep it healthier, grilled chicken breast works too. You can also use turkey if that’s what you have on hand!
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add freshness and color, but you can switch them up. Yellow or orange peppers are sweeter, and you can even use frozen mixed peppers if fresh ones are out of reach.
Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can leave out cream cheese or use a non-dairy version if needed. This will change the texture a bit, but it’ll still be tasty!
Salsa: Feel free to use homemade salsa, or you can try a chunky tomato sauce if you prefer something milder. If you like spice, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
How Can I Get the Cheese Extra Melty?
For a wonderfully gooey cheese topping, a few tips can help you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Use a blend of cheeses for depth in flavor and texture. The Mexican blend is perfect, but a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great too.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- Be sure the cheese is evenly distributed across the top so that every bite has that cheesy goodness.
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium, based on preference)
- 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions or fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in under an hour, you’ll have a warm and cheesy casserole ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready when it’s time to bake your casserole.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté them until they’re tender, which should take about 5 minutes. Once they’re ready, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, the sautéed onions and bell peppers, sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, fajita seasoning, and a little salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish. Make sure it’s nice and level!
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of your chicken mixture. This will make it ooze with cheesy goodness once baked!
6. Bake:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
7. Let It Cool:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit and cool for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set a bit before serving.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish with sliced green onions or fresh cilantro. Serve it warm with tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy chicken fajita casserole—a meal that’s sure to delight everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cooked chicken, you can substitute it with shredded turkey, cooked beef, or even a plant-based protein like beans or lentils for a vegetarian option. Just make sure whichever protein you choose is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. For a kick of flavor, use a spicy salsa instead of mild. Just be careful not to overdo it if you’re serving guests who might prefer milder options!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or bake it in the oven until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of salsa or water to keep it moist while reheating.
