Introduction
Transform ordinary chicken breasts and everyday veggies into a vibrant, flavorful fajita casserole that’s ready in under an hour! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave deliciousness without the fuss. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to simple, satisfying meals that the whole family will love.
Why This Works
This recipe is a champion of efficiency. Everything cooks together in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. The blend of savory chicken, bell peppers, and onions, all simmered in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce, is irresistible. It’s also incredibly adaptable – customize it to your spice preference and what you have on hand!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 🫑 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 🧅 1 large onion, sliced
- 🌶️ 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional)
- 🍅 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 🥫 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🌮 8-10 large flour tortillas, cut into strips
- 🌿 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 🌿 1 teaspoon cumin
- 🌿 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 🌿 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, minced jalapeños (if using), diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
3️⃣ Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Arrange the tortilla strips evenly over the top of the casserole.
5️⃣ Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tortilla strips.
6️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- For even faster prep, use pre-cut bell peppers and onions.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; if needed, use a larger one to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Heat Control
The oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) is ideal for gently cooking the chicken and melting the cheese without burning the tortillas. If your oven runs hot, consider reducing the temperature slightly and monitoring the casserole closely.
Crunch Factor
The crispy tortilla strips provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and soft vegetables. For extra crunch, lightly toast the tortilla strips before adding them to the casserole.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, and fajita seasoning for 30 minutes before adding it to the casserole.
- Use a rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal. Just shred the chicken and add it to the casserole in step 2.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top before serving for extra richness.
Storage Tips
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole makes a fantastic potluck dish! Transport it in a disposable aluminum pan, covered with foil. A festive ribbon adds a personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
🌟 Cheesy: Use a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
🌟 Southwestern: Add a can of drained black beans and corn for a heartier casserole.
🌟 Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or Mexican crema along with the cream of mushroom soup.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Casserole: If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water during the baking process.
- Burnt Tortillas: If the tortillas are browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Undercooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
FAQ
- Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all work well.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Chicken Fajita Casserole is your new weeknight dinner hero! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and requires minimal cleanup. Share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it! Enjoy!
30-Minute Chicken Fajita Casserole: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and delicious chicken fajita casserole that combines all the flavors of traditional fajitas in a simple, one-dish meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 tortillas, cut into quarters
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, bell pepper, onion, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the tortilla quarters on the bottom.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.