Fast & Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
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Fajitas are a classic Tex-Mex dish that typically requires quite a bit of prep work, but this easy chicken fajita casserole is perfect for busy parents who still want a delicious home-cooked meal.
It’s quick and easy to put together, and your family will love the combination of flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have. So why not give it a try tonight?
We all know how hectic weeknights can be. Between work, homework, after-school activities, and everything else on our plates, it can be tough to find time to make a healthy, home-cooked meal. That’s why we love this chicken fajita casserole recipe!
It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, and the whole family will love it. Besides the taste, the next best thing is that it only takes about an hour to make, from start to finish.
As a bonus, this meal is even better the next day as leftovers!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole
This chicken fajita bake recipe really couldn’t be easier. To make it fast and easy, we use frozen cooked chicken in this recipe, but you could use fresh and cook it yourself.
Recipes like this, buffalo chicken pitas, and chicken and broccoli alfredo are great ways to utilize cooked, frozen chicken.
You could also use a one-pound bag of a frozen pepper and onion blend, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly first.
Chicken Fajita Bake Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) can of refried beans with green chiles
- 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
- 1 fajita seasoning mix package or about 1 oz from a jarred blend
- 1 pkg Tyson Grilled & Ready Southwestern Chicken Strips
- 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 medium onion, cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Step By Step Instructions
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Heat the Grilled & Ready Chicken in a pan until thawed. Cut larger pieces into bite-sized pieces if desired.
3. Cut the onion and peppers into strips and combine them in a pan. Cook them over medium-high heat until fragrant, and the onions are translucent.
4. In another pan, add the refried beans, tomato sauce, and fajita seasoning mix. Heat and stir to combine.
5. Spread 1/2 cup of the bean mixture over bottom of baking dish. Cover the bean mixture evenly with a single layer of tortillas, overlapping if necessary.
TIP: Cut the tortillas in half so that they have flat edges and fit in the pan better.
6. Top the tortillas with half of remaining bean mixture, half of the chicken, half of the vegetables and 1 cup of the cheese.
7. Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, bean mixture, peppers, onions, and cheese.
8. Cover baking dish with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly.
9. Let it stand for five minutes, then serve with salsa and sour cream if desired.
Chicken Fajita Casserole {Mexican Lasagna}
This is a simple, delicious meal that your whole family is sure to love. It tastes even better as leftovers!
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz can of refried beans with green chiles
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 package fajita seasoning mix, or about 1 oz from a jar
- 1 pkg Tyson Grilled & Ready Southwestern Chicken Strips
- 8 6 inch flour tortillas
- 1 bag, 1 lb frozen stir-fry bell peppers and onions, thawed, drained
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Thaw mixed peppers ahead of time then drain in a colander. Squeeze out excess water.
- Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat the Grilled & Ready Chicken until thawed. Cut larger pieces into bite-sized pieces if desired.
- *If your pepper mixture doesn't have onions slice a half of an onion and cook in a skillet until transluscent then add peppers. Mix to combine
- In another pan, mix refried beans, tomato sauce and fajita seasoning mix and heat
- Spread 1/2 cup of the bean mixture over bottom of baking dish. Cover the bottom of the pan with a single layer of tortillas, overlapping if necessary, in baking dish (TIP: I cut the tortillas in half so that they have flat edges and fit in the pan better.
- Top with half of remaining bean mixture, half of the chicken, half of the vegetables and 1 cup of the cheese. Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, bean mixture, stir-fry vegetables and cheese.
- Cover baking dish with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Serve with sour cream and salsa
Recipe Variations
If you don’t want to use frozen chicken, this recipe will be just as delicious with freshly cooked chicken, leftover roast chicken, or a rotisserie chicken.
If you use fresh chicken, make extra or buy a second rotisserie chicken so you can add this amazing Chicken Pot Pie with puff pastry to your meal plan.
How to Store & Reheat Leftover Fajita Casserole
This recipe will keep if covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. To heat, put a serving in the microwave for about two minutes or heat for 20 minutes or so in the oven. Cover and heat at 325 degrees.
Can I Freeze Chicken Fajita Bake?
Yes! Casseroles freeze and reheat very well in general.
If Freezing Casserole Unbaked
If you plan on making this dish ahead of time and freezing it, layer it in an aluminum pan without cooking it. Make sure the chicken is cooked ahead of time! Cover it tightly and freeze for 3-6 months.
Freezing Leftover Casserole
If your casserole is cooked and you plan on freezing leftovers, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly. Fajita casserole will keep in the freezer for 3-6 months.
How to Reheat Casserole from Frozen
Put the frozen casserole in the refrigerator and allow it to defrost thoroughly. Once defrosted, bake covered at 350 until hot (about 30 minutes), and enjoy! Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re in the mood for a delicious and easy chicken fajita casserole dish, be sure to try out this recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
And if you make extra, it freezes well so your family can enjoy it later!
Have you tried this recipe? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below. If not, don’t forget to pin it to Pinterest for later!
We thought this was really good for a quick, last minute, what are we having, Friday night meal. We will do this again sometime.
I’m glad you liked it! It’s so easy and tastes even better the next day.