Name: Fajita Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced; 1 (1 ounce) package fajita seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 12 corn tortillas

Fajita Chicken Casserole: Just the name conjures images of sizzling peppers, tender chicken, and that unmistakable Tex-Mex aroma, doesn't it? Forget standing over a hot skillet – we're taking all the vibrant flavors of classic fajitas and transforming them into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.

While fajitas themselves have a relatively recent history, originating in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the 1930s, their roots are firmly planted in the rich culinary traditions of Mexican ranching culture. The term "faja" refers to the skirt steak, the original cut of meat used in fajitas. Over time, chicken, beef, and shrimp variations became popular, and the dish evolved into the sizzling platters we know and love today.

But what makes Fajita Chicken Casserole so irresistible? It's the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor. Imagine layers of juicy, seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all baked to bubbly perfection under a blanket of melted cheese. The taste is undeniably delicious – a symphony of savory, slightly spicy, and cheesy goodness. Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. This casserole is a guaranteed hit with the whole family, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal without the fuss of traditional fajita preparation. Get ready to experience the magic!

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, sliced
2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced
1 (1 ounce) package fajita seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
12 corn tortillas
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, guacamole, salsa, extra sour cream

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

First, let's get our chicken ready. In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the fajita seasoning. Make sure every piece is nicely coated. This will give our casserole that classic fajita flavor!
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside in a clean bowl. Don't worry about cleaning the skillet just yet; we're going to use it again!
Now, add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. The goal is to get them nice and tender, with a little bit of color.
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the chicken and vegetables.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. We're done with the skillet for now!

Making the Creamy Sauce:

In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), sour cream, and softened cream cheese.
Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until it's smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This is the base of our delicious, cheesy sauce!
Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy sauce and stir to combine. This will add extra cheesiness and flavor to the sauce.

Assembling the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom.
Now, it's time to assemble our casserole! Start by spreading a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will help to keep the tortillas from sticking and add flavor to the bottom layer.
Next, arrange 6 corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish. You may need to tear some of the tortillas to fit them properly.
Spread half of the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas.
Spoon half of the remaining creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
Repeat the layers: Arrange the remaining 6 corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
Spread the remaining chicken and vegetable mixture over the tortillas.
Spoon the remaining creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

Baking the Casserole:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the cheese from burning and ensure that the casserole cooks evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be golden brown and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up slightly and make it easier to slice.

Serving and Enjoying:

Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot.
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, guacamole, salsa, extra sour cream. I personally love adding a dollop of guacamole and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro!
Enjoy your delicious Fajita Chicken Casserole! This is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture or the creamy sauce for a spicier kick.
Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Add beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans to the chicken and vegetable mixture for added protein and fiber.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with cooked black beans, corn, and extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Use flour tortillas: If you prefer flour tortillas, you can use them instead of corn tortillas.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Freezing instructions: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: 450-550
Protein: 30-40g
Fat: 25-35g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Conclusion:

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal; it's a flavor fiesta waiting to happen in your kitchen! Seriously, if you're looking for a dish that's both incredibly easy to make and bursting with that authentic fajita taste, then you absolutely have to try this recipe. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and that cheesy, slightly spicy topping is simply irresistible. It's the kind of comfort food that satisfies on a chilly evening, yet it's also light and fresh enough to enjoy year-round. What makes this casserole a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, it's the sheer versatility and convenience. We all lead busy lives, and this recipe understands that. It's a fantastic way to get a delicious and healthy dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it's a one-dish wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash – always a win in my book! But the best part? You can totally customize it to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick. Want to make it even heartier? Stir in some black beans or corn. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese and load up on the veggies. Serving Suggestions and Variations: * Serve it straight from the casserole dish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. * Scoop it into warm tortillas for a deconstructed fajita experience. * Make it a complete meal by serving it with a side of Mexican rice and a simple salad. * For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. * Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day – just reheat and enjoy! You can even repurpose them into fajita bowls or salads. * Consider adding a layer of crushed tortilla chips under the cheese for added crunch. * Spice it up with a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. I'm genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. I know you'll love the ease of preparation and the incredible flavor. It's quickly become a family favorite in my house, and I have a feeling it will become one in yours too. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this Fajita Chicken Casserole. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments – I'm eager to see your creations and learn about your personal touch on this recipe. Let's create a community of casserole lovers! Happy cooking!