This Chicken Fajita Casserole is packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that brings all the deliciousness of classic fajitas without the extra work. Perfect for busy nights when you need a comforting and flavorful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- One-pan meal – easy cleanup and minimal effort
- Bold and flavorful – all the classic fajita flavors in casserole form
- Cheesy and satisfying – loaded with melty goodness
- Great for meal prep – leftovers taste even better
Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- fajita seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade fajita seasoning)
- olive oil
- bell pepper, sliced
- yellow bell pepper, sliced
- green bell pepper, sliced
- onion, sliced
- can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- sour cream
- shredded Mexican cheese blend
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- garlic powder
- smoked paprika
- cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- heavy cream
- chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is below.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Slice the chicken breast into strips and season with fajita seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Peppers and Onion
In the same skillet, cook the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Combine and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, mix the cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, salsa, and cream cheese until combined. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy on its own, with rice, or wrapped in tortillas!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap chicken for ground beef or turkey for a different protein
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version
- Try pepper jack cheese for an extra kick
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this casserole with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh side salad. A side of guacamole or sour cream complements it perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze Chicken Fajita Casserole?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and bake when ready.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as is.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is easy, delicious, and packed with all the fajita flavors you love. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is a winner. Try it and enjoy every bite!
Print
Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–9 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish inspired by classic fajitas! Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions are baked with a creamy, spiced sauce and plenty of melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade fajita seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss chicken strips with fajita seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in the baking dish.
- Layer bell peppers, onions, and Rotel tomatoes over the chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream and heavy cream, then pour over the casserole.
- Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm over rice, in tortillas, or enjoy as is!
Notes
- Make it low-carb by serving over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- Want more crunch? Add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
- Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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