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To make a tasty Fajita Chicken Casserole, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you will use: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning - 1 cup salsa - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a special role. The chicken adds protein, and the bell peppers and onion give sweetness and crunch. Black beans and corn add fiber and texture. Fajita seasoning brings a bold flavor, while salsa adds moisture and zest. The cheese and sour cream make it creamy and rich. Finally, the crushed tortilla chips give a nice crunch on top. This list keeps your casserole hearty and satisfying. You can find all these items at your local grocery store. If you’re ready, gather them up and let’s cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks evenly. - Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. This step adds great flavor. - Combine ingredients in skillet: Next, add shredded chicken, fajita seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa to the skillet. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through. - Prepare sour cream and cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, mix sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. This will add creaminess to your casserole. - Layer the casserole: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start with half of the chicken mixture as the first layer. Then, add half of the crushed tortilla chips on top. - Bake the casserole: Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture over the tortilla chips. Next, add the remaining chicken mixture. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the crushed tortilla chips and the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Serve and garnish: Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious fajita chicken casserole! - How to ensure chicken stays moist: Use cooked chicken that is shredded. This helps it soak up flavors. Add a bit of broth to the mixture to keep it juicy. - Best practices for layering: Start with a good base. Layer half of your chicken mix first. This keeps the bottom from getting soggy and helps with even cooking. - Tips for controlling spice levels: Use less fajita seasoning if you want a milder taste. You can also choose a mild salsa. Taste as you go to find the right heat for you. - Garnishing ideas: Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch. You can also use slices of lime for color and flavor. - Serving suggestions with sides: Serve with a simple salad or rice. These sides balance the meal well. - Best dishes to serve with fajita chicken casserole: Pair it with guacamole and chips for a great snack. You can also serve it with a fresh corn salad for added crunch. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This casserole is a perfect way to use up any leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken you have on hand, saving you time and effort. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to tailor the casserole to your family's taste. Spice it Up: Adjust the heat level by adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicier kick. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out proteins in this dish. Try using turkey or beef if you want a change. Both will give a nice twist to the flavor. For a plant-based option, use plant-based chicken. It works great and keeps the dish hearty. If you want it dairy-free, replace sour cream and cheddar cheese with suitable alternatives. Many brands offer tasty dairy-free products that can mimic the creaminess. Experiment with different seasoning blends to jazz up your casserole. You can use taco seasoning or even a spicier blend. Adding veggies like zucchini or mushrooms can enhance the taste and nutrition. They add texture and flavor without overpowering the dish. For toppings, consider jalapeños for heat or olives for a briny kick. These simple changes can make each meal feel new and exciting. After making fajita chicken casserole, let it cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will last about 3 to 4 days. For best taste, eat it within this time. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you can keep track of how long it has been stored. When you want to eat it again, just take it out. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until hot. You can freeze fajita chicken casserole too. To do this, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This will help keep it fresh. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, take it out. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot throughout. This keeps the flavors tasty and fresh. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day before. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. What can I serve with fajita chicken casserole? You can serve this casserole with a fresh salad or some rice. Chips and guacamole also pair well. If you want, add some salsa on the side for more flavor. How do I make it spicier? To spice it up, add more fajita seasoning. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. If you love heat, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned? Yes, using fresh veggies is a great choice. You can slice fresh bell peppers, onions, and even add zucchini. Just remember to sauté them until they're soft before mixing them in. How long do I bake it for? Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes. Look for it to be bubbly and golden on top. If you like it extra crispy, leave it in a bit longer. What is the best way to reheat leftovers? For leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F. Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave, but the oven gives it a better texture. Can I customize the cheese used in the recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you like. Monterey jack, mozzarella, or even a mix can work well. Just make sure it melts nicely for that gooey texture we all love. This blog covered a simple and tasty fajita chicken casserole. We looked at key ingredients, preparation steps, and provided tips for cooking and presentation. You can alter the recipe, store your leftovers, and customize it to fit your taste. In the end, this dish is easy to make and share. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and make this meal your own. You’ll love serving it to family and friends.

Fajita Chicken Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, bell peppers, black beans, and cheese, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 each red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 each green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced onion and bell peppers until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by the fajita seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  • In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the chicken mixture on the bottom, followed by half of the crushed tortilla chips.
  • Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla chips. Then add the remaining chicken mixture on top.
  • Finally, sprinkle the rest of the crushed tortilla chips over the chicken, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving for better slicing.
Keyword casserole, chicken, easy meal, fajita