Description
Hearty chicken fajita casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Layers of seasoned chicken, peppers, and cheese create a simple one-pan meal that satisfies hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 tbsp fajita seasoning (or use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
- Protein Sautéing: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sizzle olive oil and introduce chicken strips seasoned with salt, pepper, and half the fajita spice. Cook until chicken achieves a golden exterior and near-complete tenderness, roughly 5 minutes, then transfer from heat.
- Layering: Spread the partially cooked chicken across the baking dish, then cascade bell peppers and onions uniformly. Dust remaining fajita seasoning over the vegetable landscape and blanket generously with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for complete coverage.
- Baking Process: Drape the casserole with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, golden terrain.
- Serving: Withdraw the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Present with accompaniments like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, paired with warm tortillas or fluffy rice for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to guarantee food safety without overcooking, maintaining tender meat texture.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust fajita seasoning intensity by increasing or decreasing spice blend to match personal heat preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Vegetable Precision: Cut bell peppers and onions uniformly to promote even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to brown slightly during final uncovered baking stage for enhanced flavor complexity and appealing golden-brown surface.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg