Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious, creamy dish that blends tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and cheesy goodness, all baked in one glorious casserole. Perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights, this flavorful casserole reimagines traditional fajitas in a convenient, hearty way!
Budget Information
The total cost of the Chicken Fajita Casserole is approximately $15.00, making it about $2.50 per serving for six servings. This budget-friendly meal brings both flavor and value to your dinner table!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe takes the essence of chicken fajitas—succulent chicken, zesty peppers, and fragrant spices—and transforms it into a comforting casserole. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, as it’s easy to whip up, requires minimal prep time, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, who doesn’t love a great one-dish meal? This casserole is warm, fulfilling, and truly a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Chicken Fajita Casserole to life:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.30) – You can use any cooking oil you have on hand.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced ($1.00) – Substitute with yellow or green bell peppers if desired.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced ($1.00)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced ($0.75)
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded ($5.00) – Feel free to use leftover chicken breast or thighs.
- 1 packet Spanish-style rice ($1.50) – You can use regular white rice, but adjust cooking time.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ($1.00) – Swap for a homemade version if you prefer.
- 1 cup salsa ($1.50) – Use your favorite salsa for an extra kick!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened ($1.50) – If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- 1 ½ cups Mexican shredded cheese ($2.00) – Choose whatever cheese you love best.
- ½ cup sour cream ($0.80) – Optional but adds richness!
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (about $0.50) – You can make your own with common spices!
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional) ($0.30)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want that oven at the perfect temperature for baking, giving your casserole a glorious golden finish!
Step 2: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced onion. Sauté these vibrant veggies for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. The sweet aroma of sautéing onion and bell peppers will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste!
Step 3: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the prepared Spanish rice. Follow this with the cream of chicken soup, salsa, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, sour cream, and the fajita seasoning. Mix everything together until it’s creamy and well combined—this should take about 5 minutes. You’ll see how the cream cheese adds a luscious texture, making it feel rich, yet comforting!
Step 4: Remove the sauté pan from the heat and transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Feel free to use a bit more oil to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick, and be sure to spread it out evenly!
Step 5: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You want it heated through completely—imagine unveiling a warm, bubbly surprise when you lift that foil!
Step 6: After 20 minutes, lovingly remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a glorious gooeyness. The moment your kitchen starts smelling even more divine, you know you’re almost there!
Step 7: Take it out of the oven, and for the grand finish, top with some chopped cilantro if desired. It adds a beautiful splash of color and those fresh herb notes, which are just irresistible!
Nutritional Facts
Per serving:
- Calories: 913
- Protein: 63g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Total Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2565mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Chicken Fajita Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Be sure to transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is filling on its own, but you can make the meal even more vibrant by serving it with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables. Want to keep the fajita vibes going? Use warm tortillas to scoop up the casserole, or serve it alongside homemade guacamole for that extra creamy touch!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
If you’re looking to elevate this dish, consider making your own fajita seasoning—trust me, it amplifies flavor! Additionally, feel free to customize the veggies based on what’s in your fridge or what’s in season; zucchini or corn would be great additions! And remember, it’s totally cool to make this recipe your own, so don’t hesitate to play around with different cheeses or spice levels.
Recipe FAQs
What can I serve with Chicken Fajita Casserole?
This hearty casserole stands beautifully on its own, but consider adding a side of corn or a refreshing salad to balance the meal.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.
How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken with your favorite beans or a medley of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for those savory, hearty flavors!
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven can bring back its warmth and texture, but a microwave is a quick and easy alternative—just be careful not to overcook.
Can I freeze Chicken Fajita Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and use it within three months for best taste.
