Easy Family Dinners Your Kids Will Love

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking into a warm, inviting kitchen filled with the aroma of a home-cooked meal on a busy weeknight. For me, that’s exactly what my family’s favorite recipe does. It’s a lifesaver on those chaotic evenings when everyone’s schedules collide and dinner needs to be on the table in a flash. This recipe, my friends, is the epitome of easy family dinners – and I’m about to share all my secrets with you.

What is chicken fajita casserole?

Think of it as a fiesta in a pan: sizzling chicken, bell peppers, onions, and warm tortillas all come together in perfect harmony. It’s essentially a simplified version of your favorite fajitas, turned into a casserole that’s just as delicious as it is convenient. My kids love it when I make this for dinner, and I love how quickly it comes together – it’s the perfect solution for a family on-the-go.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Want to add some extra spice? Toss in some diced jalapeños. Not a fan of peppers? Simply swap them out for your favorite veggies. This recipe is a true chameleon – and the best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly, too. You can make it with just a few dollars’ worth of ingredients, and it serves a crowd. I like to serve it with a side of warm flour tortillas and a dollop of sour cream, but feel free to get creative!

How do I make a chicken fajita casserole?

Quick Overview

This recipe is a breeze to make – and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Simply cook your chicken and veggies, assemble the casserole, and bake until golden. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. I like to make it on Sundays and freeze it for quick reheat meals throughout the week. It’s the perfect solution for a family on-the-go!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 can (10 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup of milk
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1 tsp chili powder
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 large tortillas, cut into quarters
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup diced onions
* 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
* 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional)

For the Filling:
* 1 cup cooked rice
* 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
* 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1 tsp chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Add the shredded cheese and stir until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cream of chicken soup mixture and cook until heated through.

Step 4: Combine

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

Add the cooked chicken and rice mixture to the skillet with the cream of chicken soup mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange 4 tortilla quarters in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the chicken and rice mixture, followed by half of the cream of chicken soup mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the tortillas on top.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, top with additional cheese and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, until melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the casserole into squares and serve hot. Enjoy!

What to Serve It With

My kids love this casserole with a side of warm flour tortillas and a dollop of sour cream. You can also serve it with a salad or some roasted vegetables for a more well-rounded meal. For a special treat, try serving it with a side of Mexican street corn or some crispy tortilla chips.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Fajita Casserole

Here are a few of my top tips for making this recipe shine:

Zucchini Prep: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible before adding it to the casserole. You can do this by wrapping it in a paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds.

Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the casserole – you want to maintain a nice texture and prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.

Swirl Customization: Feel free to customize the swirl pattern to your liking – just make sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent the cheese from getting too messy.

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts milk and shredded cheddar cheese.

Baking Tips: Make sure to cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from getting too brown – you want to maintain that perfect golden crust.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here are a few tips for storing and reheating your chicken fajita casserole:

Room Temperature: Store the casserole in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.

Freezer Instructions: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

And there you have it – my secret to stress-free weeknights. This chicken fajita casserole is a true game-changer for busy families, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as we do. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to share your own variations and tips in the comments below! Happy baking, friends!