Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: chicken fajita casserole! It’s one of those meals that comes together in a snap but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it for my family—they couldn’t believe how delicious it was! The layers of shredded chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty salsa all meld together into this cheesy, gooey masterpiece. Seriously, every bite is packed with flavor, and it’s so comforting. Plus, it’s super easy to customize, which is great when I have random veggies in the fridge. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation!

Ingredients List

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this delightful chicken fajita casserole! Gather these ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color you like!)
• 1 cup onion, sliced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen
• 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, it’s up to you!)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works great)
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

These simple ingredients come together to create a flavor explosion that your family will love. And don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand—this recipe is super flexible, so feel free to substitute or add your favorites!

How to Prepare Chicken Fajita Casserole

Alright, let’s get cooking! This chicken fajita casserole is so simple and fun to make. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to go in!
2. While the oven heats up, grab a skillet and pour in the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, black beans, frozen corn, salsa, and the sautéed veggies. Sprinkle in that fajita seasoning and give everything a good stir until it’s well mixed. You want all those flavors to get cozy together!
4. Next, transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, so every bite is packed with goodness.
5. Now, it’s time for the best part: sprinkle that shredded cheese all over the top! Don’t be shy; a cheesy layer is what makes it extra delicious.
6. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Just keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid over-baking!
7. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

And there you have it! Your chicken fajita casserole is ready to be devoured. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Packed with flavor from fresh veggies and zesty salsa.
• One-pan dish means less cleanup; yay for that!
• Customizable with your favorite ingredients, so it never gets old.
• Healthy and hearty, keeping everyone satisfied and happy.

Tips for Success

To make your chicken fajita casserole absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your chicken is well-shredded; this helps it mix evenly with the other ingredients. If you love a bit of extra heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Also, don’t skip sautéing the onions and bell peppers—they bring out so much flavor! Lastly, if you want a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes after baking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your chicken fajita casserole! Try adding zucchini or mushrooms for an earthy twist, or throw in some spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Want to spice things up? Add some diced green chiles or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a little kick. You can even swap out the chicken for cooked ground beef or turkey for a different protein punch. The possibilities are endless, so mix and match to create your perfect version!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken fajita casserole stores beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop it in for about 15–20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes—but keep an eye on it to avoid hot spots. Enjoy those tasty, cheesy bites again!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a rough estimate for a serving of this delicious chicken fajita casserole:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugar: 3g

This casserole is not only comforting but also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family!

FAQs

Got questions about chicken fajita casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common ones I hear:

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
While you can technically use raw chicken, I highly recommend using cooked chicken to save time and ensure even cooking. Shredded rotisserie chicken works like a charm!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

What if I don’t like black beans?
No problem! You can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even omit them altogether. This chicken fajita casserole is super forgiving!

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, it is! Just ensure that your fajita seasoning and any other ingredients you choose are gluten-free.

Can I freeze chicken fajita casserole?
Yes! Just let it cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!

Chicken Fajita Casserole: 7 Cheesy Comfort Food Bites

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and easy chicken fajita casserole packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup onion, sliced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sauté until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, sautéed vegetables, and fajita seasoning.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Customize with your favorite vegetables.
• Serve with tortilla chips or over rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, easy casserole, Mexican casserole