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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow), sliced - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 2 cups cooked brown rice - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro, chopped This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a great dish to make. It is simple and tasty. You can use cooked chicken you have at home. Shredded chicken works best here. I like to mix different bell peppers for color. They add sweetness and crunch. Next, add sliced onion. It brings flavor that pairs well with chicken. Cooked brown rice makes this meal filling. It also adds texture and fiber. Black beans are a must. They are rich in protein and add a nice creaminess. For spices, use ground cumin and chili powder. They give warmth and depth. The garlic and onion powders add extra flavor without much effort. This blend makes the dish really pop. For toppings, I always choose cheddar cheese. It melts nicely and adds richness. Sour cream is a must for creaminess. Finally, don't forget fresh cilantro for color and taste. It really ties everything together. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that everyone will love. It is hearty and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal for the whole family. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook well. - Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers and 1 thinly sliced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the veggies soften and smell great. - Combine Ingredients: In a big bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, the sautéed veggies, 2 cups of cooked brown rice, 1 can of rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of salsa. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir until everything is well mixed and coated. - Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. Pour the mixed filling into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. - Baking: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese with a golden color. - Cooling and Garnishing: Take the casserole out of the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it set a bit. Before you serve, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for added flavor and color. - Ensuring Chicken is Tender: Use leftover chicken for the best flavor. Shredded chicken stays moist and mixes well in the casserole. If you don’t have leftovers, poach fresh chicken in broth. This keeps it juicy. - Vegetable Sautéing: Sauté bell peppers and onions until soft. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Use medium heat and stir often. You want them tender but not mushy. This adds a nice texture to the dish. - Presentation Ideas: Serve the casserole straight from the dish for a cozy feel. For a fancier look, plate portions individually. Add a dollop of sour cream on top for flair. - Garnishing Options: Fresh cilantro on top brightens the dish. Lime wedges on the side add zesty flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese for richness. - Gluten-Free Options: Make this casserole gluten-free by using brown rice and checking the salsa label. Most salsas are gluten-free, but it’s good to double-check. - Keto-Friendly Variants: To lower carbs, skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead. This keeps the dish filling without the extra carbs. You can also cut down on beans for a lighter meal. Pro Tips Choose Your Chicken Wisely: For the best flavor and texture, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. This adds depth to the casserole without extra cooking time. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the salsa and spice powders according to your taste. If you like it spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Leftover Magic: This casserole is great for leftovers! Reheat in the oven or microwave, and consider topping it with fresh avocado or a squeeze of lime for a refreshing twist. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out the chicken in this casserole. Try using ground turkey or beef. Plant-based proteins also work well. They give you a tasty, hearty dish. Changing the vegetables can add fun flavors. Use zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a twist. You can also add black olives for extra depth. If you love heat, add jalapeños or pour in some hot sauce. This adds a spicy kick and makes it exciting. You can also mix in corn and avocado. They add a nice Southwest flair and boost the taste. Need to feed more people? Simply double all the ingredients. Use a bigger baking dish to hold it all. This way, everyone gets a serving. If you want less food, make single servings. Use smaller dishes or ramekins. This keeps it easy and perfect for one or two. To store your fajita chicken casserole, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and the dish safe. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. You can also use plastic wrap and foil for extra protection. The casserole can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, take the casserole out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To warm it up without losing flavor, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake it for about 25 minutes until hot. For a quick option, you can also microwave individual portions. Just cover them to keep moisture in. Can I use raw chicken in this recipe? No, raw chicken won't cook well in this dish. You should use cooked chicken. This makes the casserole safe to eat and tasty. What can I substitute for brown rice? You can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or white rice. These options work well and still taste great. How spicy is this dish with the salsa? The spice level depends on the salsa you choose. Mild salsa gives a light kick, while hot salsa brings more heat. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day before. Just cover it and place it in the fridge. Bake it when you're ready to eat. What types of cheese work best for this recipe? Cheddar is a great choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack or pepper jack. These cheeses melt well and add nice flavors. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet? This recipe is not low-carb due to the brown rice and beans. You can skip these ingredients to make it fit a low-carb plan. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, you can swap sour cream and cheese for dairy-free options. Look for plant-based cheeses and yogurt for a tasty alternative. This post taught you how to create a tasty chicken casserole. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and variations. I shared tips for healthy options and how to store leftovers. You can make this dish your own with different proteins or spices. Enjoy making it your way and share it with friends! Cooking should be fun and simple. You now have the tools to impress at your next meal.

Fiesta Fajita Chicken Casserole

A flavorful and hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of spices, topped with cheese and sour cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup salsa (your preferred spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, cooked brown rice, rinsed black beans, corn, and salsa. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir all the ingredients together until well mixed and coated with salsa.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. Transfer the mixed filling into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  • Gently spread the sour cream over the top of the casserole. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream, ensuring even coverage.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and has a slight golden hue.
  • After baking, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
  • Just before serving, adorn the top with fresh chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and vibrant color.

Notes

Serve directly from the dish for a rustic look, and consider adding a dollop of extra sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
Keyword casserole, chicken, easy dinner, fajita