“`
This Chicken Fajita Casserole brings the yummy flavors of fajitas into a cozy dish. It’s made with chicken, colorful peppers, and topped with gooey cheese that melts perfectly!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how all the flavors blend together in one pot. Less washing up means more time for chips and salsa! 😄
I enjoy whipping this up on busy nights. Just mix, bake, and you have a tasty meal that everyone will love, making dinner time easy and fun!
“`
“`
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you might substitute with shredded jackfruit or cooked lentils.
Rice: This recipe works with either white or brown rice. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or quinoa instead.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: If you want to control the heat, look for mild versions. You can also use plain diced tomatoes and add chopped jalapeños for spice.
Black Beans: Canned beans are perfect here, but feel free to use cooked pinto beans or chickpeas for variety. Rinse them to reduce sodium.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can swap it with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more kick.
How Can I Ensure the Vegetables Are Perfectly Tender?
Cooking the veggies just right is key to a great casserole. Start by heating your skillet and adding olive oil before tossing in the onion and bell pepper.
- Sauté on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until softened but not overly browned.
- This step helps the flavors meld together while keeping the veggies tender when baked in the casserole.
“`
Delicious Chicken Fajita Casserole
What You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions:
- Optional: Tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Chicken Fajita Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your meal in around 45 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) so we’re ready to bake in a jiffy.
Now, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté them until they’re nice and soft—this should take about 4-5 minutes. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, those flavorful diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juice!), black beans, corn, and the sautéed onion and pepper mixture. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, add the sour cream, and pour in the salsa. Mix it all together until everything is well coated and combined. You want a party of flavors in every bite!
Now it’s time to transfer our scrumptious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bit gets some love from the cheese we’re about to add.
Speaking of cheese, sprinkle that shredded cheddar generously over the top. If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), feel free to add even more!
Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown—yum!
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. It’s hard to resist, but we want to avoid any cheese burns! This is a great time to set out some tortilla chips if you’re going that route.
Now, dig in and enjoy every delicious bite of your Chicken Fajita Casserole! It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for sharing (or maybe just keeping all to yourself!). Happy cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this casserole. Just shred the amount you need—about 2 cups—and mix it directly into the bowl with the other ingredients. It adds great flavor and saves time!
What If I Don’t Have Black Beans?
No problem! If you don’t have black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different twist. Just make sure to rinse and drain any canned beans before adding them to the mix.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and cover it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can add a splash of salsa or a sprinkle of cheese to freshen it up!
