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Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole
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This Chicken Fajita Casserole combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, bold fajita spices, and melty cheese for a quick and flavorful one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly casserole that balances bold southwestern flavors with comforting textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 each red, green, and yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Seasoning & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika)

Cheese & Extras

  • 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked Mexican-style rice or 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • Optional: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Slice chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Dice bell peppers and onion. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté the chicken until halfway cooked. Add bell peppers and onions, sprinkle fajita seasoning evenly over the mixture, and continue cooking until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender but vibrant.
  2. Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, start with a base layer of cooked Mexican rice or crushed tortilla chips if using. Spread the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the base. Top with a generous handful of shredded cheese covering the entire surface.
  3. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top, allowing flavors to meld and a crust to form.
  4. Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. This helps in slicing and serving. Garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, or jalapeños before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh bell peppers and onions for the best flavor and texture.
  • Slice chicken and vegetables evenly for consistent cooking and ideal bite sizes.
  • Partial cooking of chicken on the stove prevents overcooking while baking, keeping it juicy.
  • Spread layers evenly in the casserole dish to ensure balanced flavors and even cheese melting.
  • This casserole can be assembled the day before and refrigerated, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken fajita casserole, quick dinner, fajita spices, one-dish meal, family-friendly casserole, baked chicken fajitas, southwestern recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chicken-fajita-casserole/