Oh, weeknights. Am I right? You’re wiped, the family’s hungry, and take-out is starting to sound like the ONLY option. But what if I told you there was a way to get that yummy Mexican kick without the delivery fees and questionable ingredients? Enter: my Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe! Seriously, this thing is a lifesaver. It’s the perfect quick and satisfying solution for when you’re craving bold flavors but short on time.
I swear, my family could live on casseroles. Something about that warm, cheesy goodness just makes everyone happy. And this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole? Total winner. It combines all the things we love about fajitas – the chicken, peppers, onions, that amazing seasoning – but in a super-easy, bake-it-and-forget-it kind of way. It’s convenience meets deliciousness, plain and simple.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Okay, so why am I so obsessed with this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole? Let me break it down:
- Super Easy Prep: Seriously, minimal chopping, mostly just layering. If I can do it after a long day, you totally can.
- Cleanup is a Breeze: One pan, baby! That’s it. No mountains of dishes. Hallelujah!
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The mild fajita seasoning and cheesy goodness are usually a hit with even the pickiest eaters (trust me, I know!).
- Customize It! Don’t like peppers? Leave ’em out! Obsessed with black olives? Throw ’em in! This casserole is your canvas.
- Total Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, satisfying… it’s like a big hug in a dish. Perfect for those nights when you just need something comforting.
Ingredients for the Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is super flexible, but here’s what I usually throw in. Don’t stress too much about being exact – a little more or less of something won’t hurt a bit!
- 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken breasts: Rotisserie chicken? Totally works! I often cook up a big batch on Sunday to save time during the week.
- 1 sliced bell pepper: I like using a mix of red and yellow for color, but honestly, whatever you have on hand is fine.
- 1 sliced onion: Yellow or white, your call!
- 1 packet fajita seasoning: Usually, those packets are around 1-1.25 ounces. I like the McCormick brand, but use your favorite!
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy glue that holds it all together!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because, cheese! You can totally use your favorite – Monterey Jack is also amazing.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a little tang and richness.
- 12 flour tortillas, cut into pieces: I just stack ’em up and slice ’em into wedges. Easy peasy!
How to Make This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, time to get cooking! Don’t worry, this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is seriously simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a cheesy, delicious dinner on the table in no time! Ready? Let’s do this!
- Preheat that oven! Seriously, don’t forget! Set it to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). We want it nice and hot!
- Sauté those veggies: Grab a large skillet, throw in your sliced bell pepper and onion. Cook ’em up until they’re nice and tender – usually about 5-7 minutes. The smell is AMAZING, right?
- Chicken Time: Stir in your cooked and shredded chicken and that packet of fajita seasoning. Make sure the chicken’s coated evenly. This is where the magic happens!
- Cheese Sauce Prep: In a bowl (yeah, you’ll need one more bowl, sorry!), combine your cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Mmm!
- Layer It Up! Now, in a 9×13 inch baking dish (greased, of course, unless you’re using a non-stick one!), start layering! First, put down a layer of those tortilla pieces. Then, add a layer of your chicken mixture, and top it with some of that cheesy sauce. Repeat those layers until everything’s used up. I usually do about two or three layers. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
- Bake It! Pop that casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated all the way through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
- Let It Rest (if you can!): I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a little bit, so it’s not too runny.
And that’s it! Seriously, wasn’t that easy? Now, grab a slice (or two!) and enjoy your Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole!
Tips for the Best Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Want to take your Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!”? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share!
- Don’t overbake it! Nobody likes a dry casserole. Keep an eye on it, and pull it out as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rotisserie chicken is your friend: Seriously, save yourself some time and grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It’s already cooked and seasoned, so it’s perfect for this recipe.
- Seasoning is key! Taste as you go. It all depends on the brand of fajita seasoning you like, so feel free to add a little more if you want a bigger kick.
- Let it rest: I know, I know, it’s hard to wait. But letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving really does make a difference. It helps everything set up, so it’s easier to slice and serve.
Variations on This Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Okay, so you’ve made my Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole, and it’s a hit! Now you’re wondering, “How can I mix things up?” Well, friend, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe is SO easy to adapt. Think of it as a base recipe from which you can build your own crazy casserole dreams! Here are a few ideas to get you started. And hey, if you come up with something amazing, you gotta let me know!
- Cheese, Please!: Cheddar is classic, but why not try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor? Or, if you’re feeling spicy, pepper jack will give it a real kick!
- Veggie Power: Diced tomatoes or corn are awesome additions! Adds a little pop of sweetness that goes so well with the fajita flavors.
- Protein Swap: Not a chicken fan? No problem! Ground beef or turkey work great in this. You could even try using ground beef like in my Cheesy Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole Recipe — talk about yum!
- Bean There, Done That: A layer of black beans adds some extra fiber and heartiness. Just rinse and drain a can and throw ’em in!
Seriously, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment! And if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, maybe check out my Easy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole recipe too! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing, cheesy Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole ready to go… but what do you serve WITH it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! A few simple sides and toppings can take this casserole to the next level!
- Salsa (because, duh!)
- Guacamole (always a good idea)
- Sour cream (for that cool, creamy tang)
- Chopped cilantro (adds a little freshness)
- Shredded lettuce (for a little crunch)
- And, of course, tortilla chips! (for scooping up every last bit!)
Seriously, keep it simple! The star of the show is definitely that Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Okay, let’s talk about making this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole even EASIER – because who doesn’t want that, right?! Here’s the scoop on making it ahead and storing those oh-so-delicious leftovers (if you even HAVE any leftovers, that is!).
Make-Ahead Magic: You can totally assemble this bad boy ahead of time! Just layer everything in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll be good to go for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, since it’ll be starting cold.
Leftovers, Hooray!: Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store ’em in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be good for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven (for a more even heat) or in the microwave (for a super-quick fix). I’m telling you, reheated Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole makes a fantastic lunch!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Got questions about my Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole? I bet you do! Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about this recipe. If you’re still scratching your head after reading these, shoot me a comment below! I’m always happy to help!
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
You know, I haven’t actually tried it myself, but I don’t see why not! The texture will be a little different – corn tortillas are a bit denser – but it should totally still work. Just make sure to soften them up a bit first so they don’t crack when you’re layering them. Maybe a quick zap in the microwave? Let me know how it turns out if you try it!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yep, you sure can! This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole freezes really well. Just assemble it (unbaked, of course!), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then wrap it again in foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed – you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Easy peasy!
Can I use a different type of soup?
Totally! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery would also work great in this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe. I’ve even used cream of cheddar before when I wanted to up the cheese factor! Get creative and use whatever you have on hand or whatever sounds good to you!
How can I make this spicier?
Ooh, good question! If you like a little heat, there are a few things you can do. You could add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture, or use a spicier fajita seasoning. You could also throw in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. My favorite trick? Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. That’ll definitely kick it up a notch!
Nutritional Information for This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Okay, a quick note about nutrition! Just keep in mind that the nutritional information can vary quite a bit depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use for this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole. So, consider this just a general estimate, not gospel, okay?
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Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This casserole combines chicken, bell peppers, and onions in a cheesy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 flour tortillas, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, sauté bell pepper and onion until tender.
- Stir in shredded chicken and fajita seasoning.
- In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer tortilla pieces, chicken mixture, and cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or extra sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg



