Fajita Chicken Casserole

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, season the chicken with the fajita seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly.

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook the Veggies:

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but still retain a bit of crunch. Add the corn and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the shredded chicken, cooked vegetables, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Spread everything out evenly.

4. Add the Toppings:

Spread a layer of sour cream or Greek yogurt over the chicken and vegetable mixture. This will add a creamy texture and a slight tang that complements the fajita spices. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. For an extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese (this step is optional but highly recommended for that extra texture).

5. Bake:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and everything is heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor.

Why This Fajita Chicken Casserole Works:

• All the Fajita Flavors You Love: This casserole combines the familiar, beloved flavors of fajitas in a way that’s even easier to serve. The savory chicken, crispy veggies, and cheesy topping provide the perfect comfort food.
• One-Pan Meal: One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s a one-pan meal—everything cooks in the same dish, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, the casserole can be prepped ahead of time and baked when ready.
• Hearty and Filling: With protein-packed chicken, colorful veggies, and a cheesy, creamy layer, this casserole is satisfying enough to be a complete meal on its own.
• Customizable for Any Taste: This dish is extremely versatile. You can swap chicken for ground beef, add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, or make it spicy by adding jalapeños or chili flakes. You can also adjust the level of cheese or sour cream to your liking.

Tips and Variations:

• Make It Spicy: If you like things with a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the vegetables, or use a spicy fajita seasoning mix.
• Swap Proteins: While chicken is the classic choice for fajitas, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, shredded pork, or even shrimp for a different twist on the recipe.
• Add More Veggies: If you love vegetables, feel free to throw in extras like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These additions will add more flavor and nutrients to the dish.
• Make It a Freezer Meal: This casserole is great for meal prep! Assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• For a Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, swap the tortilla chips for a low-carb alternative, or skip them entirely. You could also serve the casserole over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Final Thoughts:

Fajita Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings the vibrant tastes of fajitas to the convenience of a casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. With its delicious layers of seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or just want a dish that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat, this fajita chicken casserole has you covered. Try it today and enjoy the bold, savory flavors of fajitas in casserole form!