This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty one-dish meal filled with chicken, colorful peppers, and lots of gooey cheese. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy evenings!
I love serving this casserole with a dollop of sour cream on top! It’s like a fiesta on your plate, and leftovers? They rarely happen in my house. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep. If you’re looking for lighter options, try turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Bell Peppers: The mix of green and red peppers adds great color and flavor, but you can swap in yellow or orange bell peppers if you prefer. Zucchini or corn could also be fun add-ins!
Cheeses: I recommend using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for depth of flavor. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, use plant-based cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute for sour cream, and for cream cheese, try a vegan cream cheese. Both will still give a creaminess to your dish.
Fajita Seasoning: If you don’t have a seasoning packet, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a homemade version!
How Do I Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted and Golden?
The key to achieving that gooey and golden cheese topping lies in the baking process. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking. Remember, a hot oven helps the cheese brown nicely!
- Sprinkle the cheese on top just before baking to let it melt into the casserole.
- Check after 25 minutes. If it’s not golden, give it a few extra minutes and watch closely to avoid burning.
After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set a little, making it easier to serve!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for more bulk)
For the Cheesy Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
For Seasoning:
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of around 40 minutes from start to serve! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, so your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced green and red bell peppers along with the onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften up. Once they are ready, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, the sautéed peppers and onions, sour cream, cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, fajita seasoning, and milk. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed.
4. Seasoning to Taste:
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture. Give it another quick stir to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout.
5. Assembling the Casserole:
Pour your mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for that delicious cheesy goodness!
6. Baking the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and golden.
7. Serving Time!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes – this helps the cheese set a bit. Serve it up with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for additional flavor and garnish.
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is sure to bring happiness to your dinner table, combining those fabulous fajita flavors in a warm and cheesy embrace!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go!
What If I Don’t Have Fajita Seasoning?
No problem! You can create your own seasoning mix by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This homemade blend will give your casserole that delicious fajita flavor!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and assemble it in the baking dish. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or heat it in the oven until warmed through. You can add a splash of milk for extra creaminess as it reheats!
