Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 flour tortillas

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté Peppers and Onion:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the thinly sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet.
   • Sauté until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Season Chicken and Vegetables:
   • Stir in the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet.
   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken and vegetables are well combined and heated through.
4. Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
   • Layer two flour tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Layer Casserole:
   • Spread half of the chicken and vegetable mixture over the tortillas in the baking dish.
   • Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and vegetables.
   • Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
   • Finish by placing the remaining tortillas on top, followed by the remaining cheese.
6. Bake:
   • Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Optionally, garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and cilantro before serving.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

• This Chicken Fajita Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting meal for the family.
• Customize the casserole by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Popular Questions and Answers about Chicken Fajita Casserole

1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
   • Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.
2. Can I use different types of cheese?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
   • While flour tortillas are traditionally used in fajitas, you can substitute corn tortillas if you prefer or if you have dietary restrictions.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
   • Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
6. How can I make this casserole spicier?
   • To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken and vegetable mixture.
7. What can I serve with this casserole?
   • This casserole pairs well with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.
8. Can I use leftover grilled chicken for this recipe?
   • Yes, leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this casserole and adds a delicious smoky flavor.
9. Can I omit the cheese?
   • While cheese adds flavor and helps bind the casserole, you can omit it if desired or use a dairy-free alternative.
10. Can I use different colored bell peppers?
    • Yes, you can use any combination of bell peppers you prefer, such as red, green, yellow, or orange.
11. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
    • Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
12. How can I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?
    • Pre-baking the tortillas slightly before layering them in the casserole helps prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.
13. Can I add beans to this casserole?
    • Yes, you can add black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans to the casserole for added protein and flavor.
14. What size baking dish should I use?
    • Use an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish, depending on the quantity of the ingredients and the desired thickness of the casserole layers.
15. Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning instead of individual spices?
    • Yes, you can substitute store-bought fajita seasoning for the chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
16. How do I reheat leftovers?
    • Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
17. Can I add rice to this casserole?
    • Yes, cooked rice can be added to the layers for a heartier dish, similar to a chicken and rice casserole.
18. Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
    • Absolutely! Leftover turkey works just as well as chicken in this recipe, especially around the holidays.
19. Is this casserole spicy?
    • The level of spiciness can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less chili powder and adjusting the amount of jalapeños or other spicy ingredients.
20. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas to make this casserole gluten-free. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.