Chicken Fajita Casserole: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish- The Housewife in Training Files

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Last updated on April 27th, 2023 at 08:50 am

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’re likely familiar with fajitas – sizzling, spicy, and oh-so-delicious.

But have you ever tried a chicken fajita casserole?

This mouth-watering twist on the classic dish will indeed become a new family favorite.

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Chicken Fajita Casserole

Meg

This chicken fajita casserole is an easy and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The recipe calls for sliced chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, and spices cooked in a skillet and then baked in the oven with diced tomatoes and shredded cheese. The result is a delicious and satisfying casserole that can be served with rice or tortillas. The recipe can also be customized with different types of meat, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste preferences.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

Cutting board
Chef's knife

Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

9×13 inch baking dish
Cooking spray
Aluminum foil (if covering the casserole while baking)

Oven mitts or pot holders
Serving utensils (spoon, tongs, etc.)

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

2 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
1 large onion, sliced into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F(190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked throughand the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the drained diced tomatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture over the diced tomatoes, spreading it evenly.
Top the chicken and vegetable mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake the casserole for 20-25minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of the casserole, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Video

Notes

If you prefer spicier food, you can adjust the amount of chili powder or add some cayenne pepper to the recipe.
To make this recipe even faster, you can use pre-cut vegetables, such as pre-sliced bell peppers and onions.
Make sure to cook the chicken and vegetables until they are tender and slightly browned before assembling the casserole.

To make this recipe healthier, you can use low-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
This recipe can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd or to have leftovers for meal prep.
To save time, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Keyword Chicken Fajita Casserole

Variations

This chicken fajita casserole recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your liking. Here are a few variations to consider:

Swap out the chicken for beef or shrimp.
Use different vegetables, such as zucchini, squash, or mushrooms.

Add a can of black beans or corn for some extra flavor.
Top with fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, or avocado for freshness.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but cooking may take a little longer. Just make sure to remove the bones before slicing the chicken into strips.

Can I use different colored peppers?

Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper you prefer or have on hand.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

While fresh vegetables are preferred, you can use frozen vegetables. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you can bake it. Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking the casserole from cold.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer or have on hand.

Can I add beans to this recipe?

You can add black beans or pinto beans to this recipe for extra protein and fiber.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper to make the recipe spicier.

Can I use a different type of meat?

You can use beef or shrimp instead of chicken in this recipe.

Can I serve this with rice or tortillas?

You can serve this casserole with rice or tortillas to make it a complete meal.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven until heated.