Zesty Chicken Fajita Casserole
This Zesty Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and hearty refried beans, all layered with your favorite tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also packed with a delightful medley of spices and textures. Whether you make your own taco seasonings or use the convenient mixes provided, this dish will surely become a household favorite, leaving everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
448
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Old El Paso refried beans
1 (16 ounce) can (canned)
Tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (canned)
Old El Paso fajita seasoning mix
1 (1 ounce) package (dry)
Frozen cooked chicken breast strips
1 (9 ounce) package (thawed and seasoned)
Smucker's No Sugar Added Orange Spread
1 jar (optional, for serving)
Frozen stir-fry bell peppers and onions
8 (1 lb) bags (thawed and drained)
Shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
2 cups (8 oz) (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 13x9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, tomato sauce, and fajita seasoning mix. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined, then gently stir in the thawed and seasoned chicken breast strips.
3
Spread half a cup of the bean mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base.
4
Layer four tortillas over the bean mixture, overlapping them slightly if needed, to create a full coverage for the next layer.
5
Spoon half of the remaining bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the thawed stir-fry bell peppers and onions, and sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese on top.
6
Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, the rest of the bean mixture, the remaining stir-fry vegetables, and the remaining cheese.
7
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, with the cheese melted and slightly golden.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before cutting into portions for serving. Enjoy your delicious Zesty Chicken Fajita Casserole!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
51g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chicken Fajita Casserole?
It is a flavorful and satisfying one-dish meal that combines chicken, bell peppers, and refried beans layered with tortillas.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
There are 448 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe contains 19g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the Zesty Chicken Fajita Casserole?
The dish contains 17g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 51g of carbohydrates in this casserole.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 13x9-inch glass baking dish is used for this casserole.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly spray the dish with cooking spray before adding ingredients.
What ingredients make up the bean mixture?
The mixture consists of refried beans, tomato sauce, fajita seasoning mix, and seasoned chicken strips.
When do I add the chicken to the casserole?
The thawed and seasoned chicken breast strips are stirred into the bean and sauce mixture before layering.
How much of the bean mixture is used as the base layer?
Spread half a cup of the bean mixture over the bottom of the dish to create the base.
How many tortillas are needed for each layer?
Use four tortillas for each layer, overlapping them slightly to ensure full coverage.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry mix?
The recipe uses frozen stir-fry bell peppers and onions that have been thawed and drained.
What type of cheese is best for this casserole?
The recipe calls for shredded colby-monterey jack cheese.
How much cheese is used in total?
A total of 2 cups (8 oz) of shredded cheese is used.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How long does the casserole bake uncovered?
After the initial 30 minutes, bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
How long should the casserole rest before serving?
Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before cutting it into portions.
What brand of fajita seasoning is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one package of Old El Paso fajita seasoning mix.
Can I use homemade seasoning instead of a mix?
Yes, you can use your own taco seasonings as an alternative to pre-packaged mixes.
What brand of refried beans is specified?
Old El Paso refried beans are listed in the ingredients.
Is there an optional topping or side mentioned?
Smucker's No Sugar Added Orange Spread is listed as an optional ingredient for serving.
How many main ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients listed for this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as an easy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights.
What is the total approximate baking time?
The total baking time is between 45 and 50 minutes.
What is the sequence of layering for this dish?
Layer bean mixture base, tortillas, bean mixture, vegetables, and cheese, then repeat the process.
What type of chicken should be used?
Use one 9-ounce package of frozen cooked chicken breast strips, thawed and seasoned.
What style of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Mexican cuisine.
Is this casserole good for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a hearty and satisfying dish that is ideal for families and groups.