Chicken Fajita Casserole
Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delightful and colorful dish that captures the essence of traditional fajitas in a comforting casserole form. With juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, and melted cheese, it is a perfect meal for families and gatherings. This recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Chicken Fajita Casserole is a great choice for several reasons. It is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This one-dish meal combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, giving you a balanced and satisfying dinner. Plus, it is easy to customize and great for leftovers. Your family will love the mix of textures and flavors!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into rounds and then sliced in half and broken apart
- 1 each green, yellow, red, and orange pepper, seeds and stem removed and sliced
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. fajita seasoning mix
- 2 bags (8.8 oz. each) Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice Spanish Style
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup
- 2 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Colby/Jack cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and peppers; sauté until tender. Add minced garlic and fajita seasoning, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, Ready Rice, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well.
- In a casserole dish, layer half of the tortilla pieces at the bottom. Pour half of the chicken mixture over it, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole
Serve the Chicken Fajita Casserole hot from the oven. You can garnish it with additional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro. Pair it with a side salad or some tortilla chips for extra crunch.
How to Store Chicken Fajita Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in fajita seasoning for an hour before cooking.
- Feel free to use any combination of bell peppers you have on hand.
- Try adding corn, black beans, or jalapeños for more variety.
- If you like it spicier, use a spicy fajita seasoning or add hot sauce to the mixture.
Variation
You can easily make this casserole with shrimp or beef instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly. Additionally, you might want to switch out the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom soup for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of Ready Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but make sure to cook it separately before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Just assemble it, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions.
