This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a fun twist on a classic dish. With juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
If you love the taste of fajitas but want a simpler way to enjoy them, this casserole is your new best friend. I love serving it with tortilla chips on the side—so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders here—it saves time! If you want a lighter version, consider using shredded turkey or even canned chicken as a quick alternative.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red and green bell peppers for that pop of color. If you have other varieties like yellow or orange, feel free to swap them in. They all taste great!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are my favorites, but you can try a cheddar blend or pepper jack for a little kick. Dairy-free cheese alternatives work well too if you’re looking to avoid dairy.
Sour Cream and Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt can substitute for sour cream. Cream cheese can be replaced with any soft cheese, like goat cheese, for a different flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Casserole Doesn’t Get Soggy?
To keep your Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole from getting soggy, start by properly draining and shredding your cooked chicken. Also, make sure your bell peppers and onions are sautéed until slightly soft before mixing them in.
- Heat a good amount of oil in the pan for even sautéing.
- Don’t skip the baking stage and let it cook until everything is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
These steps will help maintain that creamy, cheesy texture without it turning mushy. Enjoy your delicious casserole!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or extra cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 25–30 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at around 45–50 minutes from start to finish. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and comes out bubbly and delicious.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Once done, set them aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, milk, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined—this will be the creamy goodness that binds your casserole!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add in the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, and bell peppers. Fold in half of the shredded cheese blend as well. Stir all the ingredients together to make sure everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure that it cooks thoroughly.
6. Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of your casserole. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes.
7. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let It Cool:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or extra cheese if desired. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, rice, or a fresh salad on the side!
Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole—a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it into the casserole for even distribution of flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This will still give you that creamy texture without compromising the overall flavor.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Bake it straight from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, put it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. Enjoy it as a quick meal!
