
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe – Cheesy, Flavor-Packed Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Introduction
If you’re craving all the bold flavors of sizzling fajitas but want something comforting and easy, this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need! Imagine tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese baked together in one dish—it’s the ultimate comfort food meets Mexican-inspired flavor.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep, this casserole takes the hassle out of standing by the stovetop. Just toss everything in a dish, bake, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that everyone will love.
History / Background
The classic fajita originated in Texas in the 1930s, when ranch workers created flavorful meals using skirt steak cooked over open flames. Over the years, fajitas became a Tex-Mex staple, often served sizzling hot with tortillas and toppings. The fajita casserole is a modern twist, turning this handheld dish into a one-pan baked meal—easy, cheesy, and perfect for busy families who love Tex-Mex flavors without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ⭐ One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- ⭐ Family-Friendly – Cheesy, colorful, and kid-approved.
- ⭐ Customizable – Adjust spice, toppings, or protein.
- ⭐ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- ⭐ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breast or Thighs – Lean protein that absorbs fajita seasoning perfectly. Substitute with beef or shrimp if you’d like.
- Bell Peppers – Use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness.
- Onions – White or yellow onions work best for that fajita flavor.
- Fajita Seasoning – Store-bought or homemade with chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic.
- Cheese – Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melts beautifully.
- Optional Add-ins – Black beans, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green, sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning until evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle shredded cheeses on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- 🌶️ Spicy Version – Add jalapeños, cayenne, or pepper jack cheese.
- 🥗 Low-Carb Version – Skip beans and corn, serve over cauliflower rice.
- 🌱 Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken for black beans, mushrooms, or tofu.
- 🧀 Extra Cheesy – Use a 3-cheese blend for more gooey goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overbaking chicken – makes it dry and chewy.
- ❌ Not cutting vegetables evenly – some may burn while others stay raw.
- ❌ Using too much liquid – casserole can turn watery.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave for a quick meal.
- Freeze before baking for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and bake fresh.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
- Add toppings like guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, or sour cream.
- Pair with a light green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely—just toss shredded rotisserie chicken with veggies and bake for less time.
3. How do I make it keto-friendly?
Skip beans and corn, and serve with cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
4. What cheese works best?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the perfect balance of melt and flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner—simple, cheesy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite. Give it a go and let me know how much your family enjoyed it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg