Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and comforting one-dish meal inspired by classic fajita ingredients. It features tender shredded chicken seasoned with aromatic spices, sautéed bell peppers and onions, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and crispy tortilla strips, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole combines the vibrant tastes of fajitas into a convenient, family-friendly entree.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 pieces corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole once assembled.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness.
- Season and cook chicken: While the veggies are cooking, season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers.
- Combine filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tortilla strips. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- You can use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference or dietary needs.
- For added heat, consider sprinkling some cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños into the filling before baking.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure tortillas are labeled gluten-free and check all canned ingredients for gluten-containing additives.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance; assemble it and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, baked fajitas, easy casserole, Mexican casserole, family dinner, one-dish meal
