Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole

Name: Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken breast (Cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 cup Noodles (Cooked according to package directions); 1 bell pepper Bell pepper (sliced); 1 onion Onion (chopped); 1 cup Sour cream

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Okay, friend, let me tell you about this Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole. It’s like a hug in a dish, but with a fiesta! Remember those nights when you just crave something unbelievably cheesy and comforting, but also a little bit exciting? Well, this casserole is your answer. It’s got all the creamy, dreamy goodness of a classic noodle casserole, but we’re kicking things up a notch with all the vibrant flavors of chicken fajitas. Think of it as the love child of a Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup and your favorite sizzling fajita platter. I swear, the first time I made this, it disappeared faster than a plate of cookies at a kids’ birthday party!

What is chicken fajita noodle casserole?

Think of Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole as the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s essentially a baked dish where tender chicken, colorful bell peppers and onions, and flavorful fajita seasoning get all cozy together with egg noodles in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s essentially deconstructed chicken fajitas in casserole form! The name says it all, really – we’re taking the flavors you already know and love from a classic chicken fajita and transforming them into a wonderfully satisfying and easy-to-eat casserole. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something warm and delicious. And trust me, it’s *way* easier to make than actually assembling individual fajitas, which, let’s be honest, can get a little messy!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? What’s your favorite fajita seasoning? The combination of tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and creamy sauce is seriously good.

But the flavor is just the beginning. This recipe is SO easy. Seriously, even on the busiest nights, I can whip this up in under an hour. It’s perfect for those “what am I going to make for dinner?” moments. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Chicken Thighs are usually pretty affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples for me. I’ve even used leftover rotisserie chicken in a pinch, and it works beautifully.

What’s the best part about this app? You can customize it to your liking. Add some extra veggies, swap out the chicken for ground beef, or use a vegetable peeler. What are the different types of cheeses? What are the possibilities? What I love about this recipe is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even my picky eaters love it, and that’s saying something! What are some of my favorite quick dinners? What is a simple pasta bake?

How do I make chicken fajita noodle casserole?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole? What are some good fajita seasonings to start with? How do you cook noodles in a creamy, cheesy sauce? Is it okay to bake it in the oven until it’s golden brown? What’s the best part of cooking in one dish? I don’t need to be a master chef to create scrumptious meals. It’s as simple as that. What a delicious meal How do I impress my friends?

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fajita Filling:
5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips (Chicken Thighs are more flavorful and stay in their original shape). Is it true that breasts are moist during baking?
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (I like to use a homemade blend, but store-bought is fine too!)

For the Noodle Casserole:
* 1 lb egg noodles
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it’s surprisingly creamy!)
* 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. What is the best way to prevent sticking? I usually give it a good spray with cooking spray or rub it down with butter.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook them! Is it safe to cook noodles in the oven? I usually toss them with a little bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through. Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the fajita seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant. What is the best way to create a fajita flavor?

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. When the Cream Cheese is melted, stir in the almond milk. Stir until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked egg noodles and the chicken and vegetable mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine everything well. How do I make sure all the noodles are coated in cheese sauce?

Step 6: Bake

What is the best way to spread out the mixture in a baking dish? Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. If you want an extra cheesy top, you can sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top during the last few minutes. What is the best time to bake?

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you slice a banana? Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as Sour Cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro. I love a dollop of guacamole!

What is the best way to serve it?

This Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, here are some ideas:

For a casual weeknight dinner: A simple side salad with whipped cream. It adds a fresh and crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole. What’s your favorite salsa for dipping?

For a potluck or gathering: A big bowl of guacamole and some sour cream. What is the best way to customize a casserole? What’s better, iced tea or margaritas?

**For a Festive Fiesta: **Some Mexican rice and refried beans. What’s a classic combination that never fails? What are some good recipes for grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter?

My family loves to have this with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. What is the best way to add green to a casserole? Is it delicious on its own?

What are some of the best ways to make a chicken fajita noodle casserole?

What are some secrets to making a chicken fajita? Noodle Casserol

How do I not overcrowd a skillet when cooking chicken? Cook it in batches to ensure it browns properly. If the skillet is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of browning. What are chicken thighs? They stay so much more moist than chicken breasts, especially during baking.

**Noodle Know-How:** Make sure you don’t overcook noodles! They should be al dente, which means they should still have a little bit of bite to them. If you cook them in the oven, you don’t want them to get mushy. I always set a timer when I cook noodles, just to be safe.

**Cheese Sauce Savvy:** Whisk, whisk, whisk! When you’re making the cheese sauce, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you get lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking vigorously, and they should eventually disappear. A wire whisk is your best friend.

**Spice It Up (or Down):** Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning to your liking. If you like things spicy, add a little extra. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce for an extra kick.

Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses would all be delicious in this casserole. I’ve even added a little bit of cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.

Veggie Variations: Add or substitute any vegetables you like. Corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, or even some chopped jalapeños would all be great additions to this casserole. Get creative and make it your own!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole is great for making ahead or storing leftovers. Here’s how to do it:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, just to be on the safe side.

Refrigerator Storage: To store leftovers in the refrigerator, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat the casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. I sometimes add a little bit of extra cheese on top before reheating to make it extra gooey and delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular egg noodles with gluten-free egg noodles, which are now readily available in most grocery stores. Also, double-check your fajita seasoning to make sure it doesn’t contain any gluten. For the cheese sauce, ensure that the flour you’re using is a gluten-free blend. I’ve had great results with a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that gluten-free noodles might have a slightly different texture, so keep an eye on them while cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole?

Yes, definitely cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Plus, sautéing the chicken with the onions, peppers, and fajita seasoning helps to develop those delicious flavors that make this casserole so amazing. You want to achieve a nice browning on the chicken for optimal taste!

Can I add other vegetables to the Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole?

Of course! This casserole is super versatile, so feel free to add any vegetables you like. Corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or even some chopped jalapeños would all be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you add a lot of extra vegetables, as they might release some moisture. I’ve tried it with zucchini and it was delicious.

How can I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

The key to preventing mushy noodles is to not overcook them in the first place. Cook the egg noodles until they are al dente, which means they should still have a little bit of bite to them. They will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want them to be too soft to begin with. Also, avoid adding too much liquid to the casserole, as this can also make the noodles mushy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole ahead of time! Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s very cold.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friend! This Chicken Fajita Noodle Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and totally customizable. What more could you ask for? If you’re a fan of comfort food with a zesty twist, this recipe is definitely for you. It’s one of those dishes that just makes everyone happy, and I can’t wait for you to try it! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Chicken Enchilada Casserole or my Creamy Taco Pasta Bake. Happy cooking, and let me know how yours turns out! I’d love to hear your variations and see your pictures. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your friends!

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