Description
Sizzling fajita chicken casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Layers of spicy chicken, melted cheese, and zesty peppers create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large bell pepper, sliced (any color)
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole’s transformation.
- Sizzle chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden exterior and sealing in robust flavors for 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, allowing them to soften and meld with the chicken’s savory essence for 4-5 minutes.
- Dust the skillet contents with fajita seasoning, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with zesty spices.
- Create a silky sauce by whisking sour cream and chicken broth until completely smooth and integrated.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken and vegetables, gently stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Transition the mixture into a baking dish, creating a rustic canvas for the upcoming cheesy layer.
- Sprinkle a generous blanket of shredded cheddar and mozzarella across the surface, promising a golden, melted finish.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, irresistible topping.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, herbaceous flourish before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting fajita seasoning or using mild/spicy variants to suit different taste preferences.
- Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version, ensuring similar cooking times and seasoning.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use low-fat cheese options or dairy-free alternatives for healthier or lactose-intolerant dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg