Name: Fajita Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 2 bell peppers, any color, thinly sliced; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of delicious and flavorful Fajita Chicken Casserole! This hearty and satisfying dish is the perfect combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty seasonings. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe, this Fajita Chicken Casserole is sure to impress. It’s a one-pot wonder that packs a punch of flavors and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Get ready to dive into a fiesta of flavors with this mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients

Before we delve into the cooking process, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for this delectable Fajita Chicken Casserole:

– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

– 2 bell peppers, any color, thinly sliced

– 1 red onion, thinly sliced

– 3 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Steps

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this scrumptious Fajita Chicken Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Take the thinly sliced chicken breasts and season them with the fajita seasoning, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure that every piece is coated with the flavorful spices.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to bring all the delicious components together. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sautéed vegetables. Next, add the cooked chicken on top of the vegetables. Finally, layer the remaining sautéed vegetables on top of the chicken.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, covering it evenly. This cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey topping for your Fajita Chicken Casserole.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once the casserole is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and vibrant flavor.

Serve your Fajita Chicken Casserole while it’s still warm, and don’t forget to offer optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for an added touch of deliciousness.

Variations

While the classic Fajita Chicken Casserole is already a winner, feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this recipe. Here are a few variations you can try:

– Swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer and juicier texture.

– Add some heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

– Experiment with different cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a flavor boost.

– Customize the vegetable mix by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or corn kernels.

– For a low-carb option, substitute the bell peppers and onions with cauliflower rice.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Fajita Chicken Casserole turns out perfect every time:

– Thinly slice the chicken breasts to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.

– Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken and vegetables. This allows them to brown rather than steam.

– Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences. Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

– If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought fajita seasoning instead of making your own.

– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fajita Chicken Casserole is a fantastic dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in a convenient and satisfying way. With its tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and mouthwatering seasonings, this casserole is a surefire hit for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and comforting meal. Get creative with the variations, follow the tips, and enjoy the flavorsome experience that this Fajita Chicken Casserole brings to your table. Buen provecho!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?

While it’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen chicken breast if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and seasoning.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Fajita Chicken Casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when hosting guests.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of the Fajita Chicken Casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Fajita Chicken Casserole

Introduction

Ingredients