This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a fun mix of juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese all baked together in one dish. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a one-pan dish? Easy to make and even easier to clean up! I like to serve mine with some tortilla chips for extra crunch—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe easy! You can also use leftover chicken or even a plant-based substitute for a veggie option.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for flavor. If you prefer something milder, go for mild cheddar or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick!
Bell Peppers: Both red and green add color and sweetness. You can swap with yellow or orange peppers, or even use zucchini for a low-carb version.
Sour Cream: If you’re avoiding dairy, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It gives a similar creamy texture!
Salsa Verde: If you can’t find salsa verde, regular salsa will work too, although the flavor will change slightly. Homemade salsa is also a fantastic option!
How Do I Sauté Vegetables for This Casserole?
Sautéing the vegetables is essential for enhancing their flavors. Just follow these easy steps:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced red and green bell peppers with chopped onions.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft but still colorful.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then remove from heat.
Softened vegetables add a nice tenderness to your casserole. Enjoy the step—it’s where a lot of the flavor comes to life!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa verde or green enchilada sauce
Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by 20-25 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Grab a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are nice and softened. Once they are ready, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Combine the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked, shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, salsa verde (or green enchilada sauce), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined; you want all those good flavors to mingle!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. Don’t worry about perfecting it—just make sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Add the Cheese Topping:
Now, sprinkle the remaining cheeses (1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack) evenly over the top. Cheese makes it even more delicious!
6. Bake It Up:
Pop the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take it out from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your scrumptious Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole with fresh tortillas, rice, or a crisp side salad!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked shredded beef, turkey, or even a plant-based protein option like tempeh or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Just ensure the protein is cooked before adding it to the casserole.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for alternatives to sour cream, Greek yogurt works beautifully in terms of texture and tanginess. You can also use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or for vegan options, consider cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to cover it with foil while reheating in the oven to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Assemble everything in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re taking it straight from the fridge to the oven.
