Description
Sizzling Mexican-inspired chicken fajita casserole brings zesty flavors to dinner tables with bold spices and cheesy goodness. Layers of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese promise a delicious meal that satisfies spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
Seasonings and Cheeses:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (or use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish and Serving:
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to 375F (190C) and delicately coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Introduce chicken strips, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and half the fajita spice blend. Sauté until chicken develops a golden exterior and reaches near-complete doneness, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer chicken from heat source.
- Arrange the partially cooked chicken across the prepared baking dish’s surface. Distribute sliced bell peppers and onions evenly across the protein layer. Dust the remaining fajita seasoning over vegetable mixture. Sprinkle a generous blanket of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, then slide into preheated oven. Roast for 20 minutes, maintaining the foil cover. Afterward, remove protective foil and continue baking an additional 10 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling landscape.
- Extract the casserole from oven and adorn with freshly chopped cilantro. Present alongside complementary accompaniments like smooth sour cream, creamy guacamole, or zesty salsa. Serve alongside warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or enjoy independently as a complete meal.
Notes
- Dial down the spice by using mild fajita seasoning or creating a homemade blend with less heat for sensitive palates.
- Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or jackfruit to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
- Opt for low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese options to make this casserole more diet-friendly without compromising on flavor.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time by chopping vegetables and cooking chicken in advance, which cuts down total cooking time and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg