Fajita Chicken Casserole

If you’re a fan of fajitas and crave a comforting, cheesy casserole, then this fajita chicken casserole is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the bold Tex-Mex flavors of fajita seasoning, tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions, this casserole is layered with cheese and baked to perfection. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also easy to make, requiring just one pan and a short prep time. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to please.

Packed with protein and colorful vegetables, it’s a wholesome dish that’s satisfying and versatile. Serve it as a main course with rice, tortillas, or salad, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb, keto-friendly option. Let’s dive into how you can make this flavor-packed fajita chicken casserole for your next dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the Flavors of Fajitas in Casserole Form: The smoky spices, juicy chicken, and cheesy goodness come together in every bite.
• One-Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes and less cleanup make this recipe a winner for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or prepping ahead.
• Kid-Friendly and Family Approved: The cheesy, comforting flavors are a hit with adults and kids alike.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 generous portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade – recipe below)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Lime wedges

Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional):

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with half of the fajita seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and peppers, seasoning them with the remaining fajita seasoning. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
3. Transfer the vegetables to a large casserole dish.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through. It will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Layer the chicken on top of the vegetables in the casserole dish.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
2. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

5. Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
3. Serve warm with optional sides like rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

Ingredient Background

Chicken

Chicken breasts are lean and tender, making them ideal for this recipe, while chicken thighs are slightly juicier and offer more flavor. Choose whichever cut you prefer.

Bell Peppers

A trio of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds color, sweetness, and crunch to the casserole. Feel free to adjust the mix based on your preferences or use whatever peppers you have on hand.

Cheese

Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt beautifully and add richness to the casserole. For an extra kick, try pepper jack cheese.

Fajita Seasoning

The seasoning blend is the heart of the dish, providing the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that make fajitas irresistible. You can use store-bought fajita seasoning or make your own with the recipe provided above.

Technique Tips

• Pre-Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables: Sautéing the chicken and vegetables before baking ensures they’re flavorful and fully cooked.
• Use a Large Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for evenly spreading out the ingredients, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly over the top.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since the chicken finishes cooking in the oven, avoid overcooking it during the stovetop step to keep it tender and juicy.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Fajita Bowl: Serve the casserole over a bed of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a hearty bowl meal.
• Taco Night: Scoop the casserole into tortillas for a quick and easy fajita taco. Add your favorite toppings!
• Low-Carb Wrap: Use lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas for a lighter option.
• Loaded Nachos: Spoon the casserole over tortilla chips and top with extra cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for a Tex-Mex nacho platter.

Additional Tips for Success

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and fajita seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-sliced fajita vegetables available in most grocery stores.
• To add a smoky kick, toss in a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
• This casserole can easily be doubled to feed a crowd or for meal prep.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or diced tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for extra heat.
• Creamy Fajita Casserole: Stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a creamier texture.
• Seafood Option: Swap chicken for shrimp or fish fillets for a seafood-inspired fajita casserole.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use reduced-fat cheese to lower the calorie content.
• Swap half the cheese for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor.
• Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner protein option.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Weeknight Dinner: Pair with simple sides like steamed broccoli or a garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Potluck Favorite: Double the recipe and bring it to a potluck—this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser!
• Tex-Mex Party: Serve alongside chips and guacamole, Mexican rice, and margaritas for a fun-themed dinner.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Aluminum foil

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?

Yes! Store-bought seasoning works perfectly, but making your own allows you to customize the flavor and control the sodium content.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, but you can use pepper jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover chicken works well. Skip the stovetop step and proceed with layering the ingredients in the casserole dish.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder to the seasoning.

6. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast in place of cheese.

7. Can I cook this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

8. What sides go well with this casserole?

Serve with cilantro lime rice, black beans, tortilla chips, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Fajita chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food for Tex-Mex lovers. With bold flavors, tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a one-pan meal that’s as delicious as it is convenient. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal-prep option, or potluck favorite, this recipe has you covered. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the delicious flavors of fajitas in a cozy, cheesy casserole!

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