Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender cooked chicken thighs, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a blend of Mexican spices. Topped with crunchy tortilla strips and melted cheese, it’s an easy oven-baked meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Oil
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Spices
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Protein and Extras
- 2 cups cooked chicken thighs, sliced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp of avocado oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add spices: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them thoroughly with the seasoning.
- Add chicken: Stir in the sliced cooked chicken thighs along with 1 tbsp lime juice into the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to heat the chicken through and help flavors meld together.
- Layer tortillas and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Evenly layer the corn tortilla strips on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Drizzle with 2 more tablespoons of avocado oil and then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over it all.
- Bake: Place the ovenproof skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously golden top.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set and cool slightly before serving, enhancing the flavors and texture.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, but you can substitute with cooked chicken breast if preferred.
- If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding tortillas and cheese and baking.
- Feel free to add jalapeños or other peppers for a spicier kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Serve with fresh cilantro, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
