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## **Fajita Chicken Casserole**
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### **Introduction and Origin**
Fajita Chicken Casserole is a flavorful, oven-baked dish that combines the vibrant taste of Tex-Mex fajitas with the comforting structure of a casserole. While traditional fajitas are seared and served sizzling in skillets, this dish reimagines them as a cohesive, one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy households. The fusion of sautéed peppers, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and optional rice or pasta makes it both crowd-pleasing and meal-prep friendly.
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### **Cultural Significance**
Fajitas originated from the Mexican-American ranching communities of South and West Texas. Traditionally made with skirt steak and served on tortillas, fajitas have since become a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. The casserole version pays homage to those roots while adapting to contemporary cooking styles. It’s a testament to the adaptability of Mexican-American food traditions and their influence on everyday home cooking in North America.
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### **Ingredients Quantity (Serves 6)**
* **Boneless, skinless chicken breasts** – 1½ lbs (680 g), sliced into strips
* **Bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced** – 3 medium
* **Onion, sliced** – 1 large
* **Olive oil** – 2 tbsp
* **Cream cheese** – 8 oz (225 g), softened
* **Sour cream or Greek yogurt** – ½ cup
* **Shredded Mexican cheese blend** – 1½ cups
* **Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel or similar)** – 1 can (10 oz / 284 g), drained
* **Fajita seasoning** – 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)
* **Salt and pepper** – to taste
* **Fresh cilantro** – optional, for garnish
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### **Optional Additions**
* **Cooked rice or pasta** – for a heartier, carb-based base
* **Black beans or corn** – for extra fiber and texture
* **Jalapeños or chipotle peppers** – for spice
* **Avocado slices** – for topping
* **Lime juice** – to brighten flavor
* **Tortilla strips** – for crunch
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### **Tips for Success**
* **Pre-cook the chicken**: Searing the chicken before baking adds flavor and locks in moisture.
* **Use a mix of peppers**: For a colorful and sweet flavor profile.
* **Soften cream cheese fully**: This ensures easy mixing and a creamy texture.
* **Drain tomatoes well**: Excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
* **Let it rest**: Allow 10 minutes after baking to firm up for easier slicing.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat oven** to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook chicken**: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sliced chicken, season with half the fajita seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. **Sauté vegetables**: In the same skillet, add another tbsp olive oil and cook onions and peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. **Make the creamy base**: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, drained diced tomatoes, and remaining fajita seasoning until smooth.
5. **Combine**: Add cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the cream cheese mixture. Stir to combine.
6. **Assemble**: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
7. **Bake**: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
8. **Garnish and serve**: Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
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### **Description**
Fajita Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish bursting with bold fajita flavors. The combination of sautéed peppers, juicy chicken, and a luscious cheese-based sauce makes it rich yet balanced. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that satisfies both comfort food cravings and Tex-Mex appetites.
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### **Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)**
* **Calories**: 400–450
* **Protein**: 35g
* **Carbohydrates**: 10–15g (higher with rice/pasta additions)
* **Fat**: 25g
* **Saturated Fat**: 12g
* **Fiber**: 3g
* **Sodium**: 700–900mg
* **Cholesterol**: 100mg
*Note: Nutritional values can vary with ingredient brands and additions.*
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### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
Fajita Chicken Casserole is an easy-to-make, flavor-packed dish that brings Tex-Mex flair to the dinner table with minimal effort. It’s great for meal prepping, reheats well, and can be customized for low-carb, gluten-free, or high-protein diets. Whether served over rice, with tortillas, or on its own, it’s bound to be a household favorite.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
This dish balances indulgence with nutritional value. Using lean chicken breast, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and plenty of vegetables can lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor. You get the richness of a cheesy casserole with the added benefit of fiber, protein, and whole ingredients. It’s a way to enjoy comfort food while making mindful choices—proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up bold and satisfying meals.
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