Fajita Chicken Casserole Fiesta

$- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced - 1 onion, sliced - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy based on preference) - 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Gathering the right ingredients is key to a great fajita chicken casserole. Start with your cooked shredded chicken. This gives you a tasty base. Then, grab a bell pepper and an onion. Slice these up, as they add color and crunch. Next, you need some corn. You can use fresh or frozen; both work well. Don't forget the black beans. They add protein and fiber to your meal. Salsa is a must for flavor. You can choose mild or spicy, based on your taste. For that cheesy goodness, prepare two cups of shredded cheese. Cheddar or a Mexican blend works best. Then, grab some cumin and chili powder for the spice. Salt and pepper are also important to season the dish just right. Finally, you will need small flour tortillas. Cut them into strips for a nice texture in the casserole. Fresh cilantro can be used for garnish, adding a fresh touch to your dish. Each ingredient plays a part in making this casserole a flavorful dinner delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Sauté sliced bell pepper and onion with a splash of olive oil. Cook them until soft, about 5-7 minutes. - Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This adds great flavor. - In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, corn, black beans, and salsa. - Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. This creates a tasty filling. - In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips across the bottom. - Pour half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. - Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. - Repeat this layering with the remaining tortilla strips, chicken mixture, and cheese on top. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. - Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. - If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This adds a nice touch. To achieve a cheesy, golden-brown topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. This helps the cheese bubble and brown nicely. For preventing soggy tortillas, layer them with care. Place half the tortilla strips at the bottom and then add the filling. This keeps them crispier. To enhance the flavor, consider adding more spices like paprika or garlic powder. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for heat. When it comes to salsa, homemade is often fresher and tastier. However, store-bought can save time. Choose a brand that you enjoy. For efficient chopping, use a sharp knife and a cutting board. Cut the bell pepper and onion in thin strips. This makes cooking faster. You can save time by using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the mix. It cuts your prep time in half! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and adding extra flavor. Customize Your Spices: Adjust the cumin and chili powder to your taste; add cayenne for extra heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Add More Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture. {{image_2}} To make the casserole gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour ones. You can also find gluten-free salsa. This change keeps all the great flavors. For vegetarian or vegan options, swap chicken for plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas. Replace cheese with a dairy-free option. These swaps still make a tasty dish. You can change the vegetables too. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a new taste. Black beans are a great choice, but pinto or kidney beans work well too. You can switch the cheese too! Use pepper jack for a spicy kick or a smoked cheese for a richer flavor. Pair this casserole with rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for extra crunch. For garnishing, add fresh cilantro or sliced avocado to brighten up the dish. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of lime juice adds a nice touch. To keep your Fajita Chicken Casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Your casserole stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If you freeze it raw, wrap it well in foil. This keeps it from getting freezer burnt. If it’s baked, let it cool first. Then, wrap it tightly. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For a quick method, use the microwave on low. For the best texture, reheat in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. It’s faster but may make it soggy. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. This way, it warms evenly. Yes, you can use raw chicken. Start by sautéing it in the skillet first. Cook it fully until it is no longer pink. Then, mix it with the other ingredients. This makes sure the chicken is safe to eat. You can swap tortillas for rice or quinoa. Try using crushed corn chips for a crunchy base. You can also use zucchini slices for a low-carb option. Each choice gives a new twist to the dish. To add heat, try using spicy salsa. You can also add diced jalapeños to the mix. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Adjust the heat to fit your taste. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Mix the filling and layer it in the dish. Cover and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready, just bake it. This saves time on busy nights. This chicken casserole combines simple ingredients for a hearty meal. You start with chicken, veggies, and seasonings, then layer in tortillas and cheese. Keep the texture perfect by avoiding soggy tortillas and adjusting spices. You can adapt it for any dietary needs and store leftovers easily. In the end, this dish is flexible and tasty. Enjoy exploring your own variations. Happy cooking!$

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, bell peppers, black beans, and cheese, perfect for a family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 whole bell pepper (red or green), sliced
1 whole onion, sliced
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup salsa (mild or spicy based on preference)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt and pepper
8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips
to taste fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the sliced bell pepper and onion until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, corn, black beans, and salsa. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the tortilla strips evenly across the bottom. Pour half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining tortilla strips, chicken mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Keyword casserole, chicken, fajita, Mexican