Description
Spicy fajita chicken casserole delivers southwest comfort with layers of zesty flavors and hearty ingredients. Melted cheese and bold spices create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a cozy casserole dish and preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a sizzling meal.
- Transform chicken into bite-sized morsels and sear them in olive oil over medium heat, developing a rich golden-brown exterior that promises deep flavor.
- Sprinkle fajita seasoning over the chicken, then introduce vibrant bell peppers and onions to the skillet, allowing them to dance and soften until vegetables reach a tender, translucent state.
- Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet, creating a robust sauce that will simmer and meld the flavors for approximately 5 minutes, intensifying the dish’s aromatic profile.
- Carefully transfer the fragrant chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution that promises a harmonious bite.
- Generously blanket the entire surface with a layer of shredded cheese, which will transform into a golden, molten landscape during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, appetizing crust that signals the dish is ready to be devoured.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein alternatives to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
- Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese options to reduce calories and accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower to increase fiber and vitamin content without changing the core flavor profile.
- Control spice levels by adjusting fajita seasoning or using mild versions for sensitive palates while maintaining the authentic Mexican-inspired taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg