Oh my gosh, you guys! Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite comfort meals: Chicken Fajita Casserole! This dish is a glorious mash-up of all the flavors we adore about fajitas but in that cozy, layered casserole form. Think tender pieces of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty onions, all blending together with crunchy tortilla chips and gooey cheese. Seriously, it’s like a fiesta in a dish!
I first stumbled upon this recipe one hectic weeknight when I was racing against the clock trying to whip up something delicious for dinner. I had some leftover chicken from the night before and a plethora of bell peppers sitting in my fridge begging for a purpose. I decided to toss everything together, and let me tell you, it was a hit with my family! Now, it’s a staple in our home, perfect for meal prep or when friends come over. Who wouldn’t want to dig into this cheesy, spicy goodness, right?
What’s in Chicken Fajita Casserole?
Cooked Chicken: I usually use rotisserie chicken for ease, but shredded or diced grilled chicken works too. It’s tender and absorbs all those delicious fajita spices wonderfully.
Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for a vibrant touch! Red, yellow, and green peppers add a sweetness and brightness to the dish that you won’t want to miss.
Onions: Sautéed onions add a lovely caramelized flavor that complements the peppers and chicken perfectly. I love using yellow onions, but sweet onions are a great choice too!
Fajita Seasoning: To keep it simple, I go for store-bought fajita seasoning. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a homemade blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika kicks things up a notch.
Tortilla Chips: These add that crunchy texture that everyone loves. Go for a sturdy brand that will hold up under all that cheesy goodness!
Cheese: Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese mix wonderfully for a melty top layer. Honestly, it’s difficult to go wrong with cheese in this casserole.
Fresh Cilantro and Avocado: These are my go-to garnishes. They add freshness and creaminess that takes the dish over the top!
Is Chicken Fajita Casserole Good for You?
Well, I’d say it’s all about balance! This casserole does give you a good dose of protein from the chicken and is loaded with vitamins from those colorful bell peppers and onions.
Chicken: High in protein, it helps keep you full and satisfied. Opt for skinless and boneless chicken if you want a leaner option.
Bell Peppers & Onions: Their vibrant colors mean they’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and fiber. They’re basically the nutrition superheroes of the dish!
But let’s be honest, we’re not fooling anyone here—it’s still a comfort food casserole with cheese and chips, so moderation is key. Enjoy it as a meal paired with a side salad or some fresh veggies to round out your dinner.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
– 2 cups bell peppers (sliced, mixed colors)
– 1 cup onions (sliced)
– 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
– 3 cups tortilla chips
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
– Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
– Avocado (for garnish)
– Optional: sour cream for serving
Makes about 4 servings.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers over medium heat until they are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add the cooked chicken and fajita seasoning to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
4. In a baking dish, spread half the tortilla chips at the bottom.
5. Layer the chicken mixture on top of the chips.
6. Sprinkle one cup of cheese over the chicken mixture.
7. Add the remaining tortilla chips on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado.
10. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Craving More? Tips & Variations!
– Feel free to throw in other ingredients like black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture!
– Try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for something a bit different.
– This dish can easily be made vegetarian by using black beans or mushrooms instead of chicken. Just season them well!
I hope you give this Chicken Fajita Casserole a try! It’s such a fun and comforting dish that brings everyone together. Don’t forget to share your experience and any twists you make on this recipe in the comments. Happy cooking, my friends!
