Easy weeknight Mexican dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken & Seasonings
01 -
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch wide strips
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1 ounce fajita seasoning (1 packet)
04 -
½ teaspoon salt
05 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Vegetables
06 -
1 medium red bell pepper, seeds removed, cut into ¼-½ inch strips
07 -
1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeds removed, cut into ¼-½ inch strips
08 -
1 medium green bell pepper, seeds removed, cut into ¼-½ inch strips
09 -
1 large yellow onion, cut into ¼-½ inch strips
→ Topping
10 -
8 ounces cheddar-jack cheese, shredded (about 2½ cups)
→ Optional Toppings & Sides
11 -
Sour cream
12 -
Sliced avocado
13 -
Chopped fresh cilantro
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
02 -
Place the chicken strips in one large bowl. In a separate large bowl, combine all the sliced bell peppers and onion. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and fajita seasoning packet, then set aside 1 tablespoon of this mixture in another small bowl.
03 -
Add the reserved tablespoon of fajita seasoning mixture to the bowl with the sliced vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the peppers and onions are evenly coated with the seasoning.
04 -
Pour the remaining fajita seasoning mixture over the chicken strips and toss until the chicken is well coated. Transfer the seasoned chicken to your prepared baking dish, arranging it in an even layer. Season with salt and black pepper.
05 -
Spread the seasoned bell peppers and onions in an even layer on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar-jack cheese evenly over the vegetables to create the top layer.
06 -
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden, and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
07 -
Serve the casserole warm with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before assembling the casserole.
02 -
Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels before seasoning for better adhesion and to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
03 -
If you prefer softer vegetables, you can sauté them lightly before adding them to the casserole.
04 -
For best melting, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.