Chicken Fajita Fiesta Casserole
Ditch the tortillas This easy Chicken fajita casserole Easy chicken is a TexMex dream Think cheesy chicken fajita bake meets comfort food Ready in under an hour ... Healthy Eats
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a cheeky Tex-Mex night without all the fuss? Ever thought of chucking fajitas into a casserole? This Chicken fajita casserole Easy chicken dish is just the ticket! Think all the zesty, smoky flavours you love, but baked into a comforting, cheesy hug.
Brief Overview
Fajitas originated in the Texan ranches. It was a clever way to use skirt steak. This casserole gives that same big flavour.
It's proper easy, takes about 50 minutes total, and feeds six hungry mouths.
Main Benefits
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver on a busy weeknight! It's got a good whack of protein from the chicken and sneaks in some veggies too.
Plus, the cheesy top is always a winner. It's perfect for a casual get-together. It will wow everyone that you did it one pan.
Chicken Fajita Fiesta Casserole Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Getting Started: What You'll Need
Right, let's gather our bits. You'll need some colourful peppers (red, green, yellow – the works!), an onion, cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is a cheat's best friend), cooked rice, a tin of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel).
Don't forget fajita seasoning, sour cream, and a shedload of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. You can use Easy chicken fajita casserole recipe mixes instead of the seasoning and canned tomatoes if you like.
The Veggie Patch
Grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You will also need 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper – all sliced, mind.
A medium onion, also sliced. A pinch of salt and pepper. Remember: Season as you go, always.
Casserole Superstars
For the casserole filling, we're talking about 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Two cups of cooked rice, a drained 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Also you'll need one packet of fajita seasoning mix. Half a cup of sour cream and a cup each of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
This Chicken fajita casserole version is loaded with protein.
Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for This Fiesta!
So, you want to make this easy chicken fajita casserole recipe ? Ace! First, let's get our ducks in a row.
Trust me, Chicken Fajita casserole night is about to be a game changer for your weeknight dinner routine!
Main Ingredients: No Fuss, Just Flavor
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . Go for extra virgin. It adds a nice fruity touch.
- Bell Peppers: 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow (approx. 150g each), sliced. Get the freshest you can find. They should be firm.
- Onion: 1 medium (approx. 150g ), sliced. Any color onion works, tbh.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (about 300g) , shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken ? Winner winner chicken dinner. Or even better a Rotisserie chicken casserole .
- Cooked Rice: 2 cups (about 400g) . White, brown, or even Mexican rice. Leftovers work great!
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel): 1 (10 oz) can (283g) , drained. Drain that baby well!
- Fajita Seasoning: 1 packet (or 2 tbsp homemade). Spice is life, innit?
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) , plus more for serving. Full fat is my go-to.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (100g) , shredded. Pre-shredded is fine. We're not judging.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup (100g) , shredded. Melty and dreamy.
Seasoning Notes: Zest and Zing
A good Tex-Mex casserole needs a kick! For essential spice combinations, stick to cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Want a bit more zing? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Boom! If you’re missing something, chili flakes are a fair sub. Trust me, you won’t notice the difference, this Fiesta casserole recipe is absolutely amazing.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
All you really need are the basics.
- Large Skillet: For sautéing those veggies.
- Large Bowl: For mixing everything together.
- 9x13-inch baking dish (23x33 cm) : The star of the show.
- Cheese Grater: Unless you’re using pre-shredded cheese (no shame!).
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvs.
If you don’t have a skillet, a large frying pan will do the trick. Honestly, don’t stress too much about having fancy gear.
This cheesy chicken fajita bake is about deliciousness, not perfection!
This Quick chicken casserole dinner will change the way you think about food. It is basically a One-pan chicken fajita casserole .
Let’s get cooking!
Chicken Fajita Casserole Easy Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero
Oh my gosh, you guys, let me tell you about this Chicken Fajita Casserole . Honestly, this ain't your nan's casserole! This is a Chicken Fajita Fiesta Casserole recipe , and it’s got all the amazing Tex-Mex flavours you crave, but without all the fuss.
I used to spend ages rolling fajitas, and now? This is my go-to. It's a total crowd-pleaser and so ridiculously easy, it’s almost embarrassing.
We are talking super easy chicken
This Tex-Mex casserole is the perfect weeknight casserole recipe . And it uses stuff you probably already have knocking about! Prep time is just 15 minutes , and cook time? A mere 35 minutes .
Winner winner, quick chicken casserole dinner !
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro
First things first, chop your veggies. We're talking 1 red, 1 green, and 1 yellow bell pepper , plus 1 medium onion .
Don't skimp on the colours, it makes the dish look fantastic. Pre-cut veggies are totally fine if you're feeling lazy, no judgement here.
Next, shred 2 cups of cooked chicken . Rotisserie is your best friend here, or even leftover roast chicken from Sunday.
Safety first, make sure your oven is preheated to 375° F ( 190° C) ! And grease that 9x13-inch baking dish!
Step-by-Step Casserole Magic
- Sauté the peppers and onions in 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat for about 7- 8 minutes . You want them softened and slightly charred. Season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, mix the veggies with 2 cups of cooked rice , 1 drained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies , 1 packet of fajita seasoning , and 1/2 cup of sour cream .
- Add your 2 cups of shredded chicken and half of the cheese! We're using 1 cup of cheddar and 1 cup of Monterey Jack . Mix it all together like you mean it!
- Pour that mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This is important, do not skip this step!
- Bake uncovered for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tips for Casserole Glory
Don't overcook the veggies! They should be slightly charred, not mushy.
If you want some extra flavour, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. It'll give it a nice kick, innit?
If you want, you can use rotisserie chicken casserole version. Also, it’s fine to use a vegetarian chicken or black beans for a vegetarian version.
There you have it, a one-pan chicken fajita casserole that's easy, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week. Get stuck in and enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Chicken Fajita Fiesta Casserole
Right, let's talk deets about this Chicken Fajita Fiesta Casserole . These are some extra bits that might make your life easier. Honestly, cooking should be fun, not stressful, yeah?
Serving Up a Fiesta!
Want to make your Chicken Fajita Casserole look swanky? A little effort goes a long way, innit? Think colourful! Scatter some fresh cilantro on top.
A dollop of sour cream never hurts. Sliced avocado adds a lovely creaminess. And maybe a cheeky lime wedge for that extra zing.
On the side, a simple green salad is mint! Or even some Mexican street corn . Drinks-wise, margaritas are a no-brainer.
A cold beer is also a winner, winner Chicken Fajita casserole dinner.
Storage Sorted
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy chicken casserole is even better the next day. Just pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3-4 days .
Fancy making it ahead? You can freeze it! Wrap it well in cling film and foil. It'll be good for up to 3 months .
To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then bung it in the oven at 175° C ( 350° F) until heated through.
You can also microwave it if you're in a hurry. But the oven gives it that lovely crisp top, you know?
Mix It Up!
Feeling adventurous? Let's get creative with this Chicken Fajita Casserole .
Need a dairy-free version ? No worries! Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives. They're surprisingly good these days.
Want to pack more veg? Chuck in some sweetcorn or black beans. It's all about making it your own. Seasonally, you could swap the peppers for butternut squash in the autumn.
Nutrition Nitty-Gritty
Okay, so this Tex-Mex casserole is tasty but what's the deal with nutrition?
Each serving has roughly 450 calories . About 35g of protein , 25g of fat and 40g of carbs . It’s a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken.
Plus, you're getting some vitamins from those veggies. The rice adds energy too.
Remember, this is just an estimate, though. It can vary depending on your ingredients.
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is about more than just eating; it's about enjoying a flavour-packed, fuss-free meal with loved ones.
Look into in, experiment, and make it your own! You will be making this one-pan chicken fajita casserole again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Chicken fajita casserole easy chicken recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. This is a brilliant time-saver for busy weeknights, a proper "blue peter" moment of pure genius!.
What's the best way to store leftover Chicken Fajita Fiesta Casserole?
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It's practically a ready meal ready to go!.
I'm not a huge fan of sour cream. What else can I use in this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole?
No worries, mate! You can easily substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier option. Cottage cheese or cream cheese, blended until smooth, will also work nicely. They'll still provide that creamy texture that binds the casserole together, so you won't miss out!.
Can I use different veggies in my Chicken Fajita Fiesta Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggie selection. Corn, black beans, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just make sure to sauté them before adding them to the casserole, just like you would the bell peppers and onions. Just make sure to be sensible!.
Is this Chicken fajita casserole easy chicken recipe healthy? What about calories?
While it's a comforting and flavorful dish, you can definitely make it healthier! Use brown rice instead of white rice, opt for leaner chicken (like breast meat), and reduce the amount of cheese. Loading up on the veggies will also help boost the nutritional value. As a rough guide, each serving has around 450 calories, but that can vary depending on your ingredients.
My cheese isn't melting properly on top of the Chicken Fajita Fiesta Casserole, what am I doing wrong?
Make sure you're using freshly grated cheese, not the pre-shredded kind from the supermarket. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Also, check your oven temperature is accurate, and consider broiling the casserole for the last minute or two (watching it very closely!) to get that perfectly golden, bubbly top.
