This Chicken Fajitas Casserole is a fun twist on a classic. It combines juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices, all baked together with cheesy goodness on top!
Every bite feels like a fiesta in your mouth! 🎉 I love serving it with tortillas on the side—bunch of happy faces around the table is the best part!
It’s super simple to throw together, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Plus, who doesn’t love a hearty meal that packs a punch? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great choice for this casserole. It saves time and adds flavor. If you prefer, you can use turkey or leave it out for a vegetarian option, replacing it with more beans or tofu.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Feel free to swap them out for yellow or orange peppers. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños instead!
Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the dish. I recommend yellow or red onions for sweetness. If you have a sensitivity, you could skip it or use green onions instead for a milder flavor.
Canned Ingredients: Diced tomatoes with green chilies are essential for creating a zesty flavor. If you can’t find them, plain diced tomatoes mixed with a bit of chili powder will work just fine.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives that gooey topping. I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but Monterey Jack is a great substitute if you want something milder.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Perfectly Heated Through?
Your casserole should be heated evenly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature, which helps with even cooking.
- Make sure to cover the casserole with foil initially. This traps steam and helps everything heat through without drying out.
- Remove the foil towards the end. This allows the cheese to get that nice, bubbly texture and a little golden color.
Make sure to let it cool slightly before serving. This will help with cutting straight into portions and it’s safer too!
How to Make Chicken Fajitas Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 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 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Fajitas Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to cook. So, in a little under an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it nice and warm while you prepare the casserole.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft. This will make them sweet and flavorful!
3. Mix in the Chicken and Other Ingredients:
Now, stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), corn, taco seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Combine with Rice:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice to your chicken and veggie mixture. Make sure to mix it all together thoroughly, so every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a bit of oil or cooking spray. Then, transfer the mixture from your bowl into the dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of your casserole. Who doesn’t love a cheesy topping, right?
7. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Fajitas Casserole with family and friends!
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re starting with raw chicken, simply dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet in step 2 with the onions and bell peppers. Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes) before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety!
What If I Don’t Have All the Vegetables?
No worries! You can use any combination of vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using quicker-cooking veggies. The key is to sauté them until they’re tender before adding to the casserole.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with an additional can of black beans, some cooked lentils, or even crumbled tofu. Be sure to add more veggies to enhance the flavors; corn, zucchini, or even chopped kale are excellent options!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. If you find it’s a bit dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
