This Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is full of delicious chicken, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese all baked together. It’s like a party in a dish and super easy to make!
You can whip this up on a busy night, and the whole family will love it. I mean, who can resist a cheesy meal? Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, if there are any! 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver! If you don’t have it, feel free to use any leftover chicken or even canned chicken. Just shred it before adding to the mix.
Bell Peppers: I love the sweetness of red and green peppers, but you can swap them out for any color you like! Yellow and orange peppers will work well too, or you could use a mix for more color!
Fajita Seasoning: This gives great flavor! If you don’t have fajita seasoning, taco seasoning works just fine. You could also make your own with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. Just be aware this might change the texture a bit, but it will still taste good!
How Do I Make the Cheese Sauce Creamy?
The secret to a creamy texture is mixing the cream cheese with the sour cream and milk until smooth. Here’s how to do it:
- Soften cream cheese before mixing. I like to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes first.
- Blend the cream cheese with the sour cream and milk. Use a whisk or mixer for the best consistency.
- Once combined, fold in shredded cheeses gently to keep the mixture light.
This will help ensure that your cheese sauce is perfectly creamy and coats every part of the casserole!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 45 minutes. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then about 25-30 minutes in the oven baking. Plus, don’t forget to let it cool for 5 minutes before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish so that your dish doesn’t stick!
2. Cook The Veggies:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften. This adds a lovely flavor to your casserole!
3. Add The Chicken:
Next, stir in the shredded chicken and sprinkle the fajita seasoning over it. Mix everything well and heat through for another 2-3 minutes. It should smell amazing by now!
4. Make The Creamy Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese (make sure it’s softened!), milk, and half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Add the chicken and pepper mixture to your creamy mix, stirring well until everything is evenly coated and combined.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Now, transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s looking good already!
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the mixture. This will make it super cheesy and delicious!
8. Bake It:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. It’s ready when it’s bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit and cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a little. Then, it’s ready to serve!
10. Garnish If You Like:
If you want, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top for an extra pop of color and flavor!
This casserole pairs perfectly with warm tortillas or rice, making a hearty, satisfying meal for everyone. Enjoy! 😊
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked?
Absolutely! You can use fresh chicken; just make sure to cook it first. Dice it and sauté it in your skillet until fully cooked through (about 7-10 minutes) before adding the fajita seasoning and continuing with the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Just be mindful that the texture may change slightly after reheating.
Can I Add Other Veggies to This Casserole?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them along with the onions and peppers, so they become tender.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice. You could also serve it with a side salad or some guacamole for a complete meal!
