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For a tasty Fajita Chicken Casserole, you'll need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 2 cups cooked brown rice - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup salsa - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish This mix of flavors gives you a great taste profile. The chicken adds protein, while the beans and rice provide a hearty base. The peppers and onions bring crunch and color. Salsa adds zest, and the spices give it a nice kick. Don’t forget the cheese and sour cream for creamy goodness! This recipe is all about balance and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for baking. 2. Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers and 1 medium sliced onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft and colorful. 1. Combine all core ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, the sautéed veggies, 2 cups of cooked brown rice, 1 can of rinsed black beans, and 1 cup of corn. Add 1 cup of salsa, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir until everything is well mixed. 2. Preparing the baking dish: Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into it and spread it evenly across the bottom. 1. Spread sour cream and cheese: On top of the casserole, spread 1 cup of sour cream. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sour cream. 2. Baking time and tips: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and slightly golden. After baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes serving easier. Enjoy your tasty Fajita Chicken Casserole! - Ensuring even cooking: Cut your bell peppers and onions into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Use medium heat when sautéing. Stir often to avoid burning. - Tips for better flavor: Use fresh spices like cumin and chili powder. They add depth. Consider marinating chicken in salsa for extra flavor before cooking. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the dish. - Ideal side dishes: Serve with a simple green salad. It adds freshness. Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa are great too. They offer a nice crunch. - Pairing with beverages: A light beer or a fruity mocktail complements this dish well. Try a sparkling water with lime for a refreshing choice. - Alternatives for chicken: You can use shredded beef or turkey. Tofu or tempeh works well for a vegetarian option. - Substituting beans and veggies: Swap black beans for pinto beans if you prefer. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roasted or grilled chicken for added flavor. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms based on your preference. Make It Spicy: If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist. {{image_2}} To make this delicious casserole gluten-free, you can use quinoa or another gluten-free grain. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and boosts the protein. Just cook the quinoa according to the package. Then, mix it in with your other ingredients. This swap keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. If you love heat, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce to your casserole. Jalapeños give a fresh kick, while hot sauce can add depth. You can mix them in with the other ingredients or top the dish right before serving. Adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance. For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with tofu or extra veggies. Firm tofu works best. Press and cube it before adding it to the mix. You can also use more bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. This option keeps the dish filling and flavorful for everyone. To keep your Fajita Chicken Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools down first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain its taste and texture. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze, first let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into individual portions for easy reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready, just remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the oven is best to keep it moist. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot. You can also reheat portions in the microwave. Cover with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out. Heat in short bursts, checking often, until warm. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! Making Fajita Chicken Casserole takes about 45 minutes in total. You need 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. This timing is quick for a delicious meal. Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead of time. Chop the veggies and shred the chicken. Mix all ingredients in your baking dish. Cover and store in the fridge. You can bake it later when ready. This saves time on busy nights. Fajita Chicken Casserole pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with: - Fresh salad - Cilantro lime rice - Tortilla chips - Guacamole - Sour cream on top These add great flavor and texture to your meal. Enjoy the fun mix of tastes! This blog post covered a flavorful Fajita Chicken Casserole recipe. You learned about the ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips. We also explored ways to customize the dish, from gluten-free options to spicy twists. Proper storage and reheating methods ensure that your leftovers stay tasty. Remember, this recipe is simple to make and can fit any meal plan. Enjoy creating your casserole and impressing your family and friends with this dish!

Fiesta Fajita Chicken Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of spices, topped with cheese and sour cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
  • Spread the sour cream over the top of the casserole, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword casserole, chicken, fajita, Mexican