Description
A vibrant and flavorful Chicken Fajita Casserole featuring sautéed bell peppers, onions, tender cooked chicken, and a blend of Mexican spices, layered with crispy corn tortillas and melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is baked until bubbly and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Spices
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Protein and Other
- 2 cups cooked chicken thighs, sliced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole perfectly.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking and stirring occasionally until they become softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mix evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them thoroughly.
- Add Chicken and Lime: Stir in the cooked sliced chicken thighs along with 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Continue cooking the mixture for 2 more minutes to heat through and incorporate the flavors.
- Layer Tortillas and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Layer the strips of corn tortillas evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over the top, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly across the casserole.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, indicating that the casserole is ready.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken thighs adds tender and juicy flavor; you can substitute with cooked chicken breasts if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- Make sure the skillet used is ovenproof to transfer safely to the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with a side of guacamole or fresh salsa for extra zest.
