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For this dish, you will need: - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup salsa - 8 small tortillas, cut into strips - 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Each ingredient plays a role in making this casserole tasty and filling. The chicken adds protein, while the peppers and onion bring color and crunch. Black beans and corn add fiber and sweetness. You will also need some key spices: - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika These spices make the dish lively. Chili powder gives it warmth, cumin adds depth, garlic powder brings savory notes, and paprika adds a bit of smokiness. Together, they create a flavor explosion. To finish your casserole, consider these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Sour cream (for serving) Cilantro adds a fresh touch. Sour cream offers creaminess and balances the dish's spices. You can add these to your plate for extra flavor and visual appeal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken with sliced red and green bell peppers, and sliced onion. Add a can of black beans that you have drained and rinsed. Toss in the corn, salsa, and spices: one teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure everything is well mixed and coated with the spices. Grab a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Lay half of the tortilla strips evenly on the bottom. Pour half of the chicken and vegetable mix over the tortillas. Spread it out so that it covers the strips well. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Repeat with the rest of the tortilla strips, chicken mixture, and cheese. Make sure the final layer has a good amount of cheese for that bubbly finish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that time, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and a little golden. Once it looks perfect, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream for a tasty touch. To boost the flavor, consider adding lime juice. Lime adds a fresh zing. Fresh garlic can also enhance the taste. Instead of garlic powder, use minced garlic. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños. They bring a spicy kick to the dish. Layering is key for great texture. Make sure to not overcrowd the layers. This allows even cooking. To keep the tortillas soft, use fresh ones. If using old tortillas, lightly toast them. This can add a nice crunch to the casserole. Serve the casserole hot from the oven. Top it with fresh cilantro for color. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess. You can also offer avocado slices on the side. For a fun twist, serve with tortilla chips. This adds a crunchy element to the meal. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This saves time and adds great flavor! Mix and Match Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor variety. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder and omit any additional spicy salsa. You can also add jalapeños for extra heat if desired. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version of the fajita chicken casserole, swap out the chicken. Use two cups of cooked quinoa or lentils instead. These ingredients add protein and fiber. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. This keeps the dish hearty and filling. Make sure to use vegetable broth if you want extra flavor. If you want to change the protein, there are great options. Try using shredded beef or pork for a different taste. You can also use tofu for a plant-based choice. Just make sure to press the tofu first to remove extra water. This helps it soak up the flavors better. Get creative with toppings to customize your casserole. Add sliced jalapeños for heat or diced tomatoes for freshness. You can also sprinkle some black olives or avocado on top. For a crunchy texture, add crushed tortilla chips before serving. This adds a fun twist to the meal. Don't forget to drizzle some lime juice over the top for a zesty finish! You can store leftover fajita chicken casserole in an airtight container. Make sure it cools first. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This helps you track freshness. To reheat, take a portion from the container. Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to warm evenly. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Label the container with the date. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. Yes, you can use many types of tortillas. Corn, flour, or whole wheat work well. Each type adds its own flavor. Corn tortillas give a nice crunch. Flour tortillas are soft and chewy. Choose what you like best for your fajita chicken casserole. The spice level depends on your salsa and spices. If you use mild salsa, the dish will be less spicy. You can also adjust the chili powder to suit your taste. For more heat, add jalapeños or use spicy salsa. To make this casserole healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole wheat tortillas for more fiber. - Add more veggies, like spinach or zucchini. - Use low-fat cheese or reduce the cheese amount. - Swap black beans for lentils for a different protein. Yes, you can prep this casserole in advance. Layer it in the dish, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it when you're ready. It can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold. The Fajita Chicken Casserole is easy and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients, spices, and ways to layer and bake your dish. I shared tips to boost flavor and get the best texture. You can even switch up ingredients for a vegetarian dish or new toppings. Storing leftovers and reheating is also simple. Now, you can enjoy this tasty meal any time! Try different versions to keep it exciting. Happy cooking!

Fajita Chicken Casserole Fiesta

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, bell peppers, black beans, and cheese, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit medium onion, sliced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 8 small tortillas, cut into strips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 unit Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 unit Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the spices.
  • In a 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the tortilla strips on the bottom of the dish.
  • Pour half of the chicken and vegetable mixture over the tortilla layer, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla strips, chicken mixture, and shredded cheese, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Once done, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to set up a bit.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side.

Notes

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Keyword casserole, chicken, easy, fajita, Mexican