Introduction
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Fajita Chicken Casserole is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the bold flavors of classic fajitas in an easy-to-make, comforting casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a time-saver while delivering a delicious, cheesy, and protein-packed meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Fajita Chicken Casserole, including ingredient substitutions, cooking tips, and storage recommendations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Everything bakes in one dish, minimizing cleanup.
- Packed with Flavor: Seasoned chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a creamy cheese blend create a restaurant-worthy dish.
- Great for Meal Prep: This casserole stores well and can be reheated easily for leftovers.
- Keto & Low-Carb Friendly: Skip the tortillas and enjoy all the fajita flavors with fewer carbs.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fajita Mixture:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Casserole Base:
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocado
- Diced tomatoes
- Crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lime juice, and all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and oregano).
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until fully coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic for about 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Base
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, heavy cream, and half of the shredded cheeses.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the sautéed vegetables in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cooked chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the chicken, spreading evenly.
- Top with the remaining sautéed vegetables.
- Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Tips for the Best Fajita Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken.
- Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder for an extra kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cheeses and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Add Rice or Pasta: For a heartier dish, mix in cooked rice or pasta before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This casserole pairs well with Mexican rice, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables.
How Can I Make This Low-Carb?
Skip any toppings with tortillas or chips and enjoy the dish as is!
Conclusion
Fajita Chicken Casserole is an easy, family-friendly meal bursting with classic Tex-Mex flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or looking for a quick and hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it tonight and enjoy a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful meal!
Let us know in the comments if you try this recipe or have any favorite variations!
