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To make a tasty Chicken Fajita Casserole, you will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, as preferred) - 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) - 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to create a warm, flavorful dish that everyone will love. You can add fun toppings to make your casserole even better. Here are some ideas: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Sour cream for tangy flavor - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Lime wedges for a zesty kick - Extra cheese for cheese lovers These toppings add freshness and flavor to your casserole. Feel free to mix it up! Here are some great substitutions: - Use turkey or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein. - Swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans. - Try quinoa instead of rice for a healthier option. - Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version. These easy substitutions keep the dish fun and interesting while catering to various diets. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips. Cook these until they are no longer pink, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, toss in one sliced bell pepper and one medium onion. Add two minced garlic cloves, cooking them until they are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season the mix with one teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika, and a half teaspoon of chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. In a large mixing bowl, combine one can of drained and rinsed black beans and one cup of corn kernels. Next, add one cup of salsa, choosing mild or spicy based on your taste. Fold in the chicken and vegetable mixture. Finally, stir in two cups of cooked rice, whether it’s white, brown, or even cauliflower rice. Ensure everything is mixed well. Transfer the casserole mix into a greased dish, spreading it evenly. Top it off with one and a half cups of shredded cheese, covering the entire surface. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden. Once done, let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. If you like, you can garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra touch. Enjoy this savory meal with family or friends! To make the best Chicken Fajita Casserole, start with fresh chicken. I like to cut my chicken into strips. This helps it cook evenly. Use a large skillet for sautéing. Medium heat works best here. It allows the chicken to get a nice sear. Stir the chicken often, so it cooks evenly. After the chicken is cooked, add the veggies. Bell peppers and onions add great flavor. A dry casserole is not what we want. To keep it moist, do not overcook the chicken. Cook it until just done, about 5-7 minutes. Adding salsa helps too. It adds moisture and flavor. Use black beans and corn, as they also keep the dish juicy. When mixing the ingredients, be gentle. This helps keep everything moist and tasty. To boost flavor, I love using spices. Cumin and smoked paprika give warmth. Chili powder adds a nice kick. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste. For extra fun, add some diced jalapeños for heat. You can also mix in some lime juice for a zesty touch. Finally, topping with cheese adds richness and creaminess. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and onions will enhance the flavor and texture of your casserole, making it more vibrant and delicious. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and salsa to your taste preference, whether you like it mild or extra spicy. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Experiment with Toppings: Try adding sliced jalapeños, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream on top before serving for extra flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make a vegetarian version of this dish. Use plant-based chicken strips or just skip the meat. Replace chicken with extra beans or veggies like zucchini and mushrooms. You can also add more peppers for color and flavor. This keeps the dish tasty and healthy. To make this casserole gluten-free, check the salsa and cheese labels. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Use rice that is labeled gluten-free. Brown rice or cauliflower rice works well. You can enjoy this meal without worrying about gluten. Adjust the heat to your liking. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or use hot salsa. You can also mix in crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild flavors, stick to mild salsa and skip the spicy added ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy their meal. After you make the chicken fajita casserole, let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. If you're not eating it right away, put it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use a freezer bag for easy storage. It will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm. For the microwave, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Always check the center to make sure it's hot. Enjoy your tasty meal! Yes, you can use other proteins. Ground turkey or beef works well. Shrimp or tofu are great for a twist. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. Cook the protein until it's safe to eat. To add heat, use hotter salsa or add jalapeños. You can also sprinkle in cayenne pepper or use spicy sausage. For an extra kick, add fresh chili peppers. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. Left-over casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before putting it away. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat. In this article, we explored how to make a tasty chicken fajita casserole. We covered the main ingredients, optional toppings, and even substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking, plus tips to keep it moist. You also learned about fun variations, storage guidelines, and answers to common questions. I hope you feel confident to try making this dish. It's easy, fun, and perfect for sharing. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Sizzling Chicken Fajita Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring 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
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, as preferred)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • optional fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and sauté until they are no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Season the mixture with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the spices with the chicken and vegetables.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, salsa, and cooked rice. Gently fold in the chicken and vegetable mixture until everything is evenly combined.
  • Transfer the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
  • Top with shredded cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword casserole, chicken, dinner, easy, fajitas