Fajita Chicken Casserole

Here’s a simple and delicious Fajita Chicken Casserole recipe that combines all the bold flavors of fajitas into a comforting casserole dish. It’s packed with seasoned chicken, bell peppers, onions, and cheese—all baked together for a hearty meal.

Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless and skinless

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 packet fajita seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning, recipe below)

• For the Casserole:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

  • 1 cup black beans (optional), drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh)

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup salsa

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

   • Season the chicken breasts with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.

   • Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

   • Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or chop into small bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

   • Sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

   • Add the garlic powder, cumin, and paprika and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

   • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined.

   • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.

4. Bake the Casserole:

   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

   • Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes.

   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once out of the oven, top with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for some extra flair.

   • Serve with a side of tortilla chips, extra salsa, or even a fresh green salad.

Homemade Fajita Seasoning (optional):

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. You can use this as a substitute for the store-bought fajita seasoning.

Pro Tips:

• Chicken Substitute: You can also use rotisserie chicken or even ground chicken/turkey for a quicker option.

• Toppings: Customize your toppings with guacamole, sliced avocado, or a drizzle of crema for an extra layer of flavor.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the veggies, beans, and corn for a delicious vegetarian casserole.