Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
A flavorful Chicken Fajita Casserole combining marinated chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and onions layered with diced tomatoes and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting and easy Mexican-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with olive oil, lime juice, and the homemade fajita seasoning. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Allow this mixture to marinate for at least 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the bowl with the chicken. Toss everything together ensuring the vegetables are well coated with the marinade and seasoning.
- Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly. Spread half of the drained diced tomatoes over the layer, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining chicken mix, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and vegetables to soften.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For extra browning and a slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve warm with tortillas or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For spicier casseroles, increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños to the vegetable mix.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Can be made with chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breasts for leaner protein.
- If preferred, add cooked rice or beans to the layers for extra texture and fiber.
Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, baked fajitas, easy chicken dinner, Mexican casserole, layered chicken dish
Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/chicken-fajita-casserole-recipe/
