Name: Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips; 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack); 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lime, juiced; Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper to taste

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Introduction

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that brings the vibrant flavors of fajitas into a comforting baked dish. Loaded with tender chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for satisfying your Tex-Mex cravings without the fuss of assembling individual fajitas.

A close-up of a black skillet filled with a creamy, melted cheese layer that covers a mix of cooked vegetables including green beans and red bell peppers. On top of the cheese, there are small pieces of browned, crispy food, possibly fried, scattered throughout. Three green parsley leaves rest in the center of the cheese. A wooden spoon lifts a portion of the cheesy dish, showing the smooth, gooey texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lime, juiced
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Homemade Fajita Seasoning:

2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with olive oil, lime juice, and the homemade fajita seasoning. Mix well and let marinate for at least 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the bowl and toss everything to coat evenly with the marinade and seasoning.
Step 4: Layer half of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the drained diced tomatoes on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 5: Repeat the layering with the remaining chicken and veggies, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 7: Optional: For extra browning, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with tortillas or rice.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat. Chicken breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning to control the heat level to your taste.
For a creamy twist, add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream cheese between layers.
Try adding black beans or corn for added texture and protein.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked dish in a black skillet showing one thick top layer of melted creamy white cheese with a smooth texture and specks of black pepper, covering a mix of vegetables including green beans and red bell pepper slices beneath it. There are small pieces of crispy golden-brown breaded chicken scattered on top and some fresh green parsley leaves placed as garnish on the cheese layer. A wooden spoon is lifting a gooey cheese-covered portion, showing the layers beneath. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for best results.

What can I serve with chicken fajita casserole?

This casserole pairs well with warm tortillas, rice, or a simple side salad. You can also add guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for extra flavor.