Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole – Jump into the cozy delight of Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole. Combining juicy chicken. Bright peppers. And creamy cheese sauce. Ideal for Tex-Mex flavor lovers. It packs chicken, peppers, onions, and cheese. All baked together. It’s a tasty, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners.
The first time I whipped up this casserole. It was a cold night. Needing a warm, filling dish. The scent of chicken baking. And vegetables sautéing. Made my family eager to try. My husband. Who loves strong flavors. And my usually choosy child. Both loved it. Asking for more. It’s now a treasured dish. That adds warmth. And happiness to our meals.
What makes this Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole truly stands out?
This casserole stands out. For its blend of creamy. And spicy flavors. Thanks to cheese, heavy cream, taco seasoning. And tomatoes with green chilies. It’s a comforting. Yet thrilling dish. You can pick different cheeses. And adjust the spices. Making it adaptable. For all preferences.
What You Need To Make This Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe?
Chicken Breasts: The main ingredient. Like a blank canvas. Is ready to soak up. All the delicious flavors.
Bell Peppers: They add pops of color and sweetness. Making the dish not just tasty. But pretty, too.
Onion: Adds depth. And a bit of sharpness. Grounding the dish. With its solid flavor.
Canned Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel): This mix brings a zesty and spicy twist. That lights up each bite.
Taco Seasoning: It’s the spice. That gives the casserole its Tex-Mex soul. Warming up the dish. With its blend of flavors.
Cheeses (Cheddar and Monterrey Jack): They melt into the casserole. Making it rich, gooey, and delicious.
Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: These add the creamy, dreamy touch. That binds all the other flavors together smoothly.
Steps To Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole:
Step 1: Begin by warming your oven to 350 degrees. Take your chicken breasts, sprinkle them with a dash of salt and pepper for taste, and let them bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect no-pink-in-the-center cook.
Step 2: As your kitchen starts to smell wonderfully of baking chicken, grab a skillet, and sauté your bell peppers, onion, diced tomatoes, and green chilies until they’re just tender. Then, whisk them off the heat into a large, waiting bowl.
Step 3: Once the chicken is baked and has cooled off a bit, chop it into friendly, bite-sized pieces and introduce it to the bowl with your sautéed veggies.
Step 4: Here’s where the magic happens: Sprinkle the mixture with a tablespoon of taco seasoning, throw in half of your cheese, all the cream cheese, and the heavy cream. Mix it all up until each piece is lovingly coated. Add the rest of the taco seasoning for that extra zing and mix again.
Step 5: Transfer this creamy, dreamy mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, and bake it at 350 degrees for another 30-35 minutes. What comes out is a bubbly, golden, cheesy wonder that’s ready to conquer any appetite.
Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor. And a delightful textural contrast. In your Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole. Consider lightly charring your bell peppers and onions. Before adding them to the mix. You can do this by sautéing them on high heat. Until they get those beautiful, flavorful char marks. Or by placing them under the broiler. For a few minutes. This step caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables. Deepening their flavor. And adding a smoky note. That complements the creamy, spicy elements of the casserole perfectly. This little twist. Can turn a great dish. Into an unforgettable one!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can easily substitute full-fat cream cheese. With a low-fat version. To lighten up the dish. Without sacrificing the creamy texture.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A fresh green salad. Or a side of cilantro-lime rice. Pairs beautifully. With the rich flavors of the casserole. Offering a refreshing contrast.
How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container. The Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole will be kept for 3-4 days. Making it a fantastic option for leftovers. Just reheat in the oven. Or microwave. And enjoy!
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 2 bell peppers seeds removed, sliced into strips (1 red, 1 green recommended)
- 1/2 large onion sliced into strips
- 1/4 c canned diced tomatoes and green chilies Rotel suggested
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning divided
- 1 c shredded cheese divided (Cheddar and Monterrey Jack recommended)
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 c heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
- In a skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and diced tomatoes with green chilies until tender. Set aside in a bowl.
- Let the chicken cool, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add to the bowl with the veggies.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp of taco seasoning over chicken and veggies. Mix in half the cheese, all the cream cheese, and the heavy cream until well combined. Stir in the rest of the taco seasoning.
- Put the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!