Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Category: Chicken Recipes

This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a warm hug in a dish! With chicken, colorful peppers, and lots of melted cheese, it’s super tasty and filling!

You can whip it up in no time, and it’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. Just layer, bake, and enjoy the cheesy goodness—your family will love it!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut. You can use leftover chicken too! If you’re vegetarian, try swapping it out for chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.

Bell Peppers: I use red and green for a colorful touch. Feel free to mix in yellow or orange peppers for sweetness, or even use frozen peppers if fresh ones aren’t available!

Sour Cream: You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier boost. If dairy-free is your goal, there are plenty of plant-based sour cream options available.

Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are my favorites for melting. If you’re looking to lighten things up, try using low-fat cheese or omitting it altogether for a lighter dish.

What’s the Best Way to Layer This Casserole?

Layering the casserole properly is key to achieving delicious flavors throughout! Start with the mixture of chicken and peppers at the bottom, then add a generous layer of creamy goodness. Top it off with cheese, this creates a nice crust that holds everything together!

  • Always mix the chicken with the sautéed vegetables and seasoning for even flavor.
  • Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
  • Sprinkle cheese evenly so every bite has that cheesy goodness.

Image input capabilities: Enabled

Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Casserole:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) fajita seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (optional for added bulk)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 35-40 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for any family dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm while you prepare the casserole.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies are tender and the onions are slightly translucent. This will bring out their delicious flavors!

3. Mix in the Chicken and Seasoning:

Once the vegetables are ready, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken and the fajita seasoning mix. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and nicely coated with the seasoning.

4. Combine with Sour Cream and Cheeses:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken and pepper mixture with the sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. If you’re using rice, add it now too. Mix everything well until fully combined!

5. Assemble the Casserole:

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish. This will be the heart of your casserole!

6. Add Cheesy Topping:

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. This will create a gooey, cheesy layer that everyone will love.

7. Bake the Casserole:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

8. Cool and Serve:

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to scoop and enjoy!

Enjoy this warm, cheesy, colorful fajita casserole as a comforting main dish. You can serve it with optional sides like salsa, guacamole, or a refreshing green salad for an extra touch!

Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to sauté the raw chicken with the onions and bell peppers until fully cooked, which will take about 10-12 minutes before adding the seasoning and other ingredients.

What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?

If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt works beautifully as a substitute! For a non-dairy version, try using cashew cream or any plant-based sour cream alternative.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.

Can I Freeze the Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just cover it well with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and then bake as directed. Baked leftovers can also be frozen using the same method!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment