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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the casserole.
#### 2. **Prepare the Chicken:**
If your chicken isn’t already cooked, cook the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes per side depending on thickness). Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
**Tip:** You can also use rotisserie chicken for even less prep time—just shred it and move on to the next step!
#### 3. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and sauté the sliced **bell pepper** and **onion** until they’re soft and lightly caramelized (about 5-6 minutes). This brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of the casserole.
#### 4. **Combine Ingredients:**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **shredded chicken**, sautéed vegetables, **diced tomatoes with green chilies**, **sour cream**, **fajita seasoning mix**, and **salsa**. Stir everything together until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
#### 5. **Assemble the Casserole:**
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, top it off with **shredded cheddar cheese** (or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor). If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle **crushed tortilla chips** on top of the cheese—this adds a nice texture and extra flavor.
#### 6. **Bake:**
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about **20 minutes**. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another **10 minutes** or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
#### 7. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once your casserole is out of the oven, garnish with fresh **cilantro** if desired, and serve hot. For extra flair, serve with a side of **guacamole** or a dollop of **sour cream**.
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### Why This Fajita Chicken Casserole is Amazing:
**Comfort and Spice in Every Bite:** The beauty of this casserole lies in the balance between **comfort food** and **bold fajita flavors**. The tender chicken, caramelized peppers and onions, and creamy sour cream come together to create the perfect bite. Topped with bubbly melted cheese and a crunchy tortilla chip layer, this dish is the ultimate combination of creamy, spicy, and savory.
**One-Pan Meal:** Not only is this casserole incredibly easy to prepare, but it also simplifies cleanup. With everything coming together in one baking dish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without a sink full of dishes afterward.
**Perfect for Meal Prep:** This casserole is ideal for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It heats up beautifully in the microwave, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option.
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### Tips for Customizing Your Fajita Chicken Casserole:
– **Spicy Kick:** If you like more heat, add some **jalapeños** or use a spicy salsa. You can also sprinkle some **cayenne pepper** into the mix for a fiery twist.
– **Vegetarian Option:** For a meatless version, swap the chicken for **black beans** or **pinto beans** and add extra veggies like **zucchini** or **corn**.
– **Add More Veggies:** Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like **corn**, **tomatoes**, or **spinach** to boost the nutrition and flavor.
– **Cheese Variety:** While cheddar cheese is always a winner, try a mix of **Monterey Jack**, **Mexican blend cheese**, or **pepper jack** for a different spin.
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### Final Thoughts:
This **Fajita Chicken Casserole** is everything you love about fajitas, transformed into a comforting and easy-to-make casserole. It’s full of flavor, loaded with chicken and veggies, and topped with ooey-gooey cheese. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit every time.
With just the right amount of spice and creaminess, it’s a meal that’s **satisfying, flavorful, and super easy** to make. Get ready to add this **Fajita Chicken Casserole** to your regular dinner rotation—you’ll be making it again and again!
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What’s your go-to weeknight dinner that everyone in your house loves? Let me know, and I’d be happy to share more great recipes you’ll want to try!
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