Skillet Chicken Fajita Casserole

My hubby hates the word casserole.  Don't ask me why?  He won't eat anything called a casserole.  However, if I call it a skillet bake, or a baked dinner, he will eat it.  This is technically a casserole, just don't tell him that.

SKILLET CHICKEN FAJITA CASSEROLE

2 large or 3 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
2 TBS oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 a bell pepper, chopped
1 pkg fajita seasoning mix
1 TBS butter
2 TBS flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (plus more for topping)
3 corn and 3 flour tortillas, cut into small pieces

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet (any oven proof skillet will work) over medium-high heat.  Brown the chicken.  If your skillet is small, do this in batches so you don't over crowd the skillet.

Once browned, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.  Add the onion and peppers and saute for a few minutes, until softened.

Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in the fajita seasoning.  Stir well.

Add the butter.  Let melt.

Add the flour.  Cook for a few minutes, stirring.

Add the chicken broth.  Stir well.  It will be thick.

Stir in the 1/2 cup shredded cheese until smooth.

Stir in the tortilla pieces.

Top with extra cheese.  As much as you like.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and brown.

This is so yummy!  You get all the flavors of fajitas but in an easy casserole.  You can top it with salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, green onions, anything you like.  Or just eat it as is.  I will definitely be making this casserole again (just don't tell my husband).

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

I must admit, when I first saw this idea floating around on Pinterest, I was skeptical.  Chicken fajitas made in a crockpot?  Would they have that same wonderful flavor I've come to know and love?  Or would it be a soggy mess?  I decided to give it a try and find out.  Here's what I did:

CROCKPOT CHICKEN FAJITAS

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 packet fajita seasoning mix (or taco seasoning)
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper

Pour water into crockpot.  Place onions and peppers on top.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Lay the chicken breasts on top.

Sprinkle the fajita seasoning on top of the chicken.

Cover and cook on high heat for 3 hours.  Do not open the lid while it's cooking!  After 3 hours it looks like this:

Remove the chicken to a plate.  Shred with two forks.

Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to combine it with the onions, peppers and juices.

Serve on tortillas with whatever fixins you like.

Now, did these taste like the fajitas you get at your favorite Mexican restaurant?  No.  They are missing the char from a grill.  But, they were moist and tasty.  It's a great way to make supper with very little effort.  Plus, you get a lot of mileage out of two chicken breasts!  You don't have to make fajitas.  You could use this recipe to make burrito bowls with beans, rice, cheese, etc.  You could make crunchy tacos or enchiladas.  Or you could throw it on some pizza dough with salsa (for the pizza sauce) and cheddar cheese.  The possibilities are endless.  So, give this a try if you want an easy way to make a chicken dinner.