Description
Hearty chicken fajita casserole brings Tex-Mex flavors to dinner tables with layers of zesty chicken, peppers, and melted cheese. Home cooks can savor this simple, satisfying meal that delivers comfort and excitement in each delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (or use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Protein Sautéing: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken strips seasoned with salt, pepper, and fajita blend until golden and nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet.
- Layering Foundation: Arrange sautéed chicken strips in the prepared baking dish, then distribute bell peppers and onions across the surface. Sprinkle remaining fajita seasoning over the vegetable layer to intensify flavor profiles.
- Cheese Coating: Generously cover the chicken and vegetable mixture with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring complete and even coverage for a rich, melted finish.
- Initial Baking: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop depth of flavor.
- Final Browning: Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and develops a golden crust.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Accompany with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, and serve with warm tortillas or rice for a complete meal experience.
Notes
Optimize Chicken Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer to check doneness without overcooking.
Customize Spice Levels: Adjust fajita seasoning intensity by using mild or hot blends, or creating a homemade mix to control salt and heat according to personal preference.
Vegetable Texture Trick: Cut bell peppers and onions uniformly to guarantee even cooking and maintain a consistent, appealing texture throughout the casserole.
Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese fresh for superior melting quality, allowing it to create a smooth, golden-brown crust that adds depth and richness to the final dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg