Fajita Chicken Casserole

Introduction

Fajita chicken casserole is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sizzling goodness of fajitas with the comforting satisfaction of a casserole. This hearty and filling meal is perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. With its blend of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and savory spices, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or simply looking for a new twist on a classic casserole, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering fajita chicken casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

– 2 bell peppers, any color, thinly sliced

– 1 onion, thinly sliced

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons of olive oil

– 1 tablespoon of chili powder

– 1 teaspoon of cumin

– 1 teaspoon of paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon of salt

– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices.

5. Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top before serving.

Variations

There are many ways to customize and personalize your fajita chicken casserole. Here are a few variations you can try:

– Add some sliced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

– Swap the chicken for beef or shrimp for a different flavor.

– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

– Serve the casserole with warm tortillas, sour cream, and guacamole for a complete meal.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your fajita chicken casserole turns out perfectly:

– To save time, you can use pre-sliced bell peppers and onions from the grocery store.

– Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.

– Make sure to slice the chicken breasts thinly to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Fajita chicken casserole is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the bold flavors of fajitas and the comforting nature of a casserole. This versatile recipe allows for endless variations, making it a great choice for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this flavorful casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of fajita chicken casserole!

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply follow the recipe instructions up until step 5, then cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap or foil and continue with the remaining steps.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! While bell peppers and onions are traditional in fajitas, you can certainly add or substitute other vegetables to suit your taste. Zucchini, mushrooms, or corn would all be great additions to this casserole.

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Servings

⏱️

Prep time

15 minutes

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Cooking time

25 minutes

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Calories

350 kcal

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Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers, any color, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices.
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top before serving.