This Chicken Fajita Casserole is your ultimate solution for a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal that comes together in a flash. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the vibrant flavors of fajitas without the fuss of cooking individual portions, making it incredibly useful for busy families and anyone craving a taste of Tex-Mex goodness.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Fajita Casserole:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) fajita seasoning mix (or homemade mix: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, pinch of cayenne pepper)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color combination: red, green, yellow, orange), thinly sliced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for topping)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole:
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, wonderfully delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s a one-dish wonder that simplifies your cooking without sacrificing flavor, boasting a wonderfully creamy texture that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes of active cooking and 25-30 minutes in the oven, it’s ideal for busy evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, toss the chicken strips with the olive oil and the fajita seasoning mix. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. This initial seasoning step is crucial for infusing the chicken with authentic fajita flavors.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet (add a touch more oil if needed). Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Combine Casserole Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, the rinsed and drained black beans, and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain the Rotel, as its liquid adds flavor and moisture to the casserole). Gently stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Assemble and Bake. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle both the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture. This cheesy blanket will melt and create a wonderfully gooey topping.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. You’re looking for those delightful golden-brown spots on the cheese.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy. Once out of the oven, let the Chicken Fajita Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Casserole:
This vibrant Chicken Fajita Casserole is an explosion of Tex-Mex flavors, bringing together tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and hearty black beans in a wonderfully comforting dish. Unlike traditional fajitas that require constant attention on the stovetop, this baked version offers a hands-off approach, making it incredibly convenient for busy weeknights. The generous topping of melted cheese adds that irresistible gooey factor that elevates every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s just as satisfying as your favorite enchiladas, but infinitely simpler.
The best part? Making this Chicken Fajita Casserole at home saves you a significant amount compared to eating out, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank. The combination of savory spices mingling with the sweetness of the bell peppers and the subtle heat from the Rotel creates a symphony of taste that is simply irresistible. So ditch the takeout menus and embrace the ease and deliciousness of this homemade casserole – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
For storing leftovers of your delicious Chicken Fajita Casserole, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. This dish also freezes beautifully for future meals. To freeze, either place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen casserole should be consumed within 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat, you have a couple of great options. If reheating from the refrigerator, you can spoon individual portions into a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For faster reheating, you can place the covered casserole dish (or individual portions) in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. If reheating directly from frozen, you may need to increase the oven baking time to 40-50 minutes, or microwave on reduced power for a longer duration, ensuring it heats evenly without drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts:
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and comfort, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. We highly encourage you to give this delicious dish a try at home – it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, toss the chicken strips with the olive oil and the fajita seasoning mix. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. This initial seasoning step is crucial for infusing the chicken with authentic fajita flavors.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet (add a touch more oil if needed). Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large onion, 2 bell peppers
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, the rinsed and drained black beans, and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain the Rotel, as its liquid adds flavor and moisture to the casserole). Gently stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.1 large onion, 2 bell peppers, 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle both the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture. This cheesy blanket will melt and create a wonderfully gooey topping.1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. You’re looking for those delightful golden-brown spots on the cheese.
- Once out of the oven, let the Chicken Fajita Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.