Fajita Chicken Casserole
Introduction
Fajita Chicken Casserole is a tasty and easy dish that combines all the flavors you love from fajitas into one fantastic meal. With tender shredded chicken, rice, beans, and colorful veggies, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make. You can prepare it in just a little over an hour, and it serves a crowd, making it great for family dinners or parties. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, so cleanup is a breeze!
How to Make Fajita Chicken Casserole
Making Fajita Chicken Casserole is straightforward. You will need to gather some simple ingredients and follow a few easy steps. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, chicken broth, bell pepper, and onion. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
How to Serve Fajita Chicken Casserole
You can serve Fajita Chicken Casserole straight from the baking dish. It’s great on its own, but you can also add some toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
How to Store Fajita Chicken Casserole
If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer.
Tips to Make Fajita Chicken Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add more vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, if you like.
- Adjust the level of spice by using mild or hot taco seasoning.
Variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with additional beans or cooked quinoa. Just ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover chicken works perfectly for this casserole.
2. Is it okay to use brown rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but if you use brown rice, you should adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook.
3. Can I add different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
