This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty, quick meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! With juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese, it’s a fun twist on classic fajitas.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in one dish. Perfect for busy nights when you need something yummy and fast. Plus, who can resist cheesy goodness? 😋
Serve it hot and watch everyone enjoy! I always top mine with a dollop of sour cream. It adds an extra zing that makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great choice here. It’s quick and already cooked! If you’re vegetarian, try using sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty alternative.
Bell Pepper: Use any color you like! Red, yellow, or green all work well. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños in place of or alongside the sweet peppers.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If beans aren’t your thing, you can swap them for cooked quinoa or chickpeas. They will give a nice texture as well.
Corn: Frozen corn is convenient, but canned corn works too. If you want to bump up the sweetness, try adding roasted corn or even sweet corn from the cob.
Tortilla Chips: Any brand works, but I find thicker chips hold up better. For a healthier option, you can use baked tortilla chips or baked grain chips.
How Do I Get My Vegetables Just Right?
Cooking the vegetables properly helps them to blend beautifully in the casserole. Start with your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil before tossing in the onion and bell pepper.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften but don’t brown too much. This keeps them juicy!
- If you want them more tender, add a splash of water and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes.
Getting this step right ensures your casserole won’t be too crunchy or overly mushy. Enjoy the balance!
Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Fajita Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying your meal in approximately 45 minutes total. Simple and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and gets nice and bubbly.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, and sauté them together for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened. This step brings out their delicious flavors!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onion and bell pepper, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), corn, and fajita seasoning. Mix everything together well, and taste to see if it needs a bit of salt or pepper.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Take an oven-safe casserole dish and layer half of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom. Pour the chicken mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.
5. Add More Chips and Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the remaining crushed tortilla chips on top of the chicken mixture. Then, add a generous amount of shredded cheese over everything—this is what makes it super delicious!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This is when it starts to look irresistible!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. If you’d like, garnish with fresh cilantro for a lovely touch before digging in.
Enjoy your hearty Chicken Fajita Casserole! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option for this casserole. Simply shred or cube the chicken and add it directly into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. It’s a fantastic time-saver!
What Can I Substitute for the Black Beans?
If you’re not a fan of black beans or don’t have them on hand, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. Just make sure to drain and rinse them if they’re canned!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of salsa or a bit of water can help keep it moist when reheating.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, you can omit the chicken and add more beans or some sautéed mushrooms to the mixture. You might also want to increase the corn or add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra volume and flavor.
