Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole – Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Cheesy Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole! This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and savory fajita seasoning, all baked to perfection with creamy goodness. It’s a recipe that has captured the hearts and taste buds of my family, becoming a beloved staple in our household. Join us on a culinary adventure as we share the story behind this delectable casserole and why you should absolutely give it a try.
Picture this: a cozy evening at home with my husband and our little family. The aroma of sizzling chicken and sautéed peppers fills the air, instantly drawing everyone to the kitchen. As I prepare the Cheesy Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole, memories flood my mind. This recipe has become our go-to comfort food, bringing joy and warmth to our souls. The first time I made it, my husband’s eyes lit up with delight, and our children couldn’t resist taking second helpings. Since then, it has become a dish we eagerly anticipate and share together, creating cherished moments around the dinner table.
Why This Casserole Will Win Your Heart?
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fajita-coated chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and creamy sauce creates an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Easy and Time-Saving: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is a breeze to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Cheesy Goodness: The generous layer of shredded Mexican cheese blend blankets the casserole, creating a golden and gooey topping that adds an irresistible cheesy touch to every bite.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies appetites and brings smiles to everyone around the table.
Ingredients:
- 1¼ pounds (565g) boneless chicken breast or tenders
- 1 (1-oz) package fajita seasoning
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, green)
- ½ large onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 (10.75-oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream
- 1 (12-oz) package egg noodles
- 2 cups (226g) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces and toss with the fajita seasoning. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onions, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they become tender. Add the fajita-coated chicken and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1-½ cups (170g) of shredded Mexican cheese blend. Stir in the cooked chicken and vegetables.
Add the cooked noodles to the mixture and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and sprinkle the remaining shredded Mexican cheese blend on top.
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden and melty.
Notes:
- You can customize this recipe by using different colored bell peppers or adding extra spices for an extra kick.
- For a healthier version, you can opt for low-fat or reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated for another delicious meal.
In conclusion, our Cheesy Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a culinary experience that brings families together. With its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness, this casserole has the power to create lasting memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner or planning a gathering with loved ones, this recipe will surely win hearts and satisfy appetites. Give it a try and let the tantalizing aromas and delightful flavors transport you to a place of warmth and togetherness. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing this delectable casserole, and make it a cherished part of your own family story.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! Once baked, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container before freezing. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While the Mexican cheese blend adds a delightful flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination that suits your taste.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then follow the baking instructions.
Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds 565g boneless chicken breast or tenders
- 1 1-oz package fajita seasoning
- 2 bell peppers chopped (red, yellow, green)
- ½ large onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 10.75-oz cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 16-oz container sour cream
- 1 12-oz package egg noodles
- 2 cups 226g shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces and toss with the fajita seasoning. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onions, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they become tender. Add the fajita-coated chicken and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1-½ cups (170g) of shredded Mexican cheese blend. Stir in the cooked chicken and vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles to the mixture and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and sprinkle the remaining shredded Mexican cheese blend on top.
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden and melty.
Leave a Reply