Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines all the vibrant flavors of fajitas in a comforting bake. Perfect for busy weeknights, it blends tender chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy rice topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Step 2: Toss together the chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and fajita seasoning until well combined.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over high heat and cook the chicken mixture for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and vegetables start to soften. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, sour cream, and salsa until well blended. Add the chicken mixture and stir until combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into a 13×9 inch casserole dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and fully cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Add your favorite taco toppings if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken with cooked ground beef or turkey for a different protein option.
• Add black beans or corn to the rice mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer taste.
• Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or salsa if needed to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it well and bake as instructed when ready.

What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in equal parts. This homemade blend will give similar flavor to pre-made seasoning.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 146 reviews

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together tender sautéed chicken, bell peppers, and onions with creamy sour cream, zesty salsa, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, this casserole combines classic fajita flavors in a convenient baked format that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 37 minutes
• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breast
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning

Other Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken, bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, and fajita seasoning together until they’re thoroughly coated and well mixed.
3. Sauté Chicken Mixture: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and vegetable mixture and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and the vegetables start to soften. Note that the chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point as it will finish baking in the oven.
4. Mix Rice Mixture: In a separate large bowl, blend the cooked white rice, sour cream, and salsa together until well combined. Then fold in the sautéed chicken and vegetables, mixing everything evenly.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into a 13×9 inch casserole dish. Evenly spread the mixture and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted and started to brown.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Add your favorite taco toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños to enhance the flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked brown rice for white rice for a healthier option.
• Use your favorite type of shredded cheese; Mexican blend or Monterey Jack works well.
• Fajita seasoning can be store-bought or homemade for a customized flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.

Keywords: Chicken Fajita Casserole, fajita casserole, baked fajitas, chicken casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, easy dinner recipes, cheesy fajitas, weeknight casserole