This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor! It combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and gooey cheese in a delightful mix.
Trust me, your family will love it—mine always asks for seconds! It’s quick to throw together, making dinner time a breeze. Plus, who doesn’t love melted cheese on top? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover cooked chicken you have. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use black beans or chickpeas for protein!
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. If you can’t find them, use any bell pepper or even throw in some zucchini for a veggie twist!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you prefer a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. It gives a similar texture with extra protein!
Cream Cheese: A key ingredient for that creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cream cheese instead; it works just as well!
Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully. Feel free to mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick or use whatever melting cheese you have on hand!
How Can I Make Sure My Casserole Is Creamy and Flavorful?
The key to a creamy casserole is to ensure that all your cheese and creamy ingredients are well blended. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing. It makes it easier to blend with other ingredients.
- Mix everything in a large bowl thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Don’t skip the spices! They are essential for turning your casserole into something special. Adjust levels according to your taste.
- When baking, your casserole should be bubbly and slightly golden on top for a perfect finish. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, so you’ll have it ready in about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and gets that nice golden cheese topping.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This adds great flavor to your casserole!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s creamy and evenly distributed. This is where all the delicious flavors come together!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the dish, making sure it’s well packed down. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese generously over the top.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like a little extra flavor and spice. Serve it with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy chicken fajita casserole—a comforting meal the whole family will love!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to fully thaw and cook it before shredding to use in the casserole. A quick way to thaw is by letting it sit in the fridge overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the shredded chicken with black beans, chickpeas, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Just keep the cooking time the same, as this will still give you a deliciously cheesy and satisfying dish!
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.
