Description
This flavorful Fajita Chicken Casserole combines tender seasoned chicken, bell peppers, onions, and spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies, all layered with creamy sour cream and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make baked dish perfect for a family dinner, offering the vibrant taste of fajitas in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Dairy
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
Additional Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Season Chicken: Stir the fajita seasoning mix into the cooked chicken until all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine seasoned chicken, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly to fill the dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make the dish gluten free, verify that the fajita seasoning mix does not contain gluten or use a homemade blend.
- The casserole can be customized by adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
