Chicken Fajita Casserole: A One-Dish Wonder

Introduction

Chicken Fajita Casserole takes all the vibrant flavors of classic chicken fajitas and presents them in an easy-to-make, comforting casserole form. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

To create this delicious casserole, you will need:

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of salsa (your choice of mild or spicy)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup of sour cream (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a large casserole dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken

• Season the chicken slices with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the chicken until it’s golden and no longer pink in the middle, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary.
• Sauté the bell peppers, onion, and garlic until they are just tender, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Layer the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables in the prepared casserole dish.
• Pour the salsa evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese over everything.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
• Dollop sour cream on top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Fajita Casserole with sides of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. For a more interactive experience, provide extra sour cream, guacamole, and warm tortillas so guests can make their own fajitas using the casserole fillings.

Conclusion

Chicken Fajita Casserole is a festive and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional fajitas without the fuss of individual assembly. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, ensuring a tasty and satisfying meal is just an oven away.