Fajita Chicken Casserole that’s perfect for a busy night!
Packed with tender chicken, sautéed peppers, creamy cheese, and bold fajita seasoning, this dish brings all the classic fajita flavors into a simple, oven-baked meal.
Serve it with rice, tortillas, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
With minimal prep and maximum taste, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (drained)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix chicken, bell pepper, onion, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, and spices.
Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Top with shredded cheeses.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm with tortillas, rice, or on its own!
To store your Fajita Chicken Casserole, follow these simple steps:
1.Cool Down: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation and sogginess
2. Store in an Airtight Container: Place the casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help keep it fresh.
3. Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
4. Freezing(Optional): If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the casserole.
Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, store it in individual portions for easier reheating.
5. Reheat: To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through.
If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Storing it properly will help maintain the flavor and texture!
Here are some variations and tips to make your Fajita Chicken Casserole even more versatile or tailored to your taste:
### **Variations:**
1. **Add More Veggies**:
– You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the bell peppers and onions before mixing with the chicken.
2. **Spicy Kick**:
– If you like heat, add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking. You can also swap the mild Rotel tomatoes for the spicy version.
3. **Different Cheeses**:
– Switch up the cheese combination! You could use a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor profile.
4. **Tortilla Layers**:
– For a more “enchilada-style” casserole, add layers of corn or flour tortillas between the chicken mixture. This will make the casserole heartier and more like a lasagna.
5. **Low-Carb Option**:
– To make it keto-friendly, skip the tortillas and serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
6. **Beans and Rice**:
– For a more filling casserole, add cooked black beans or pinto beans into the mix. You could also serve it with Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice for added flavor.
7. **Ground Chicken or Turkey**:
– If you prefer ground meat, you can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
8. **Sour Cream Alternatives**:
– For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use a dairy-free sour cream if you’re avoiding dairy.
Tips:
1. Shredded Chicken:
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can easily make some! Use rotisserie chicken, or boil and shred chicken breasts or thighs for convenience.
2. Spice Adjustments:
Adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to suit your preferred spice level. If you’re making this for kids or those who prefer mild flavors, you can reduce or omit the chili powder.
3. Make Ahead:
– This casserole can be assembled in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
– Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor when serving.
5. Don’t Overbake:
– Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. If you overbake it, the chicken may dry out, so aim for bubbly cheese and golden edges for the best texture.
6. Use a Larger Baking Dish:
If you have a bigger crowd, feel free to double the recipe and use a larger baking dish.
You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.
These variations and tips give you plenty of room to customize this dish to your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting!
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Fajita Chicken Casserole (based on a standard 9×13-inch casserole, yielding 6 servings).
Keep in mind that exact values will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 350–400 kcal
Protein: 30–35g
Carbohydrates: 10–15g
Fiber: 2–3g
Sugar: 4–6g
Fat: 20–25g
Saturated Fat: 10–12g
Cholesterol: 70–90mg
Sodium: 600–800mg
Calcium: 250–300mg
Iron: 2–3mg
Key Factors Affecting Nutrition:
Cheese: The type and amount of cheese you use can significantly impact the calorie and fat content. Using lower-fat cheeses or reducing the cheese amount can lower the fat and calorie count.
Sour Cream: Substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat version can also reduce calories and fat.
Tortillas or Rice: If you serve the casserole with rice or tortillas, be sure to account for their additional calories and carbohydrates.
If you’re looking to make the casserole more nutritious, you can reduce cheese or swap some ingredients, like using cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option or adding more veggies to increase fiber content.
Let me know if you need help adjusting for specific dietary needs!