Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and Mexican spices in a creamy, cheesy base. This casserole takes all the classic flavors of chicken fajitas and transforms them into an easy, oven-baked meal that’s perfect for weeknights. With a golden, bubbly layer of cheese on top, it’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

I first made Chicken Fajita Casserole when I wanted to simplify the process of making fajitas while still keeping all the bold, zesty flavors. The result was even better than I imagined—the layers of creamy chicken, sautéed veggies, and gooey cheese were a match made in heaven. It had all the fajita goodness without the need for assembly at the table.

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can serve it as-is, spoon it into tortillas for fajita tacos, or pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Adding extras like black beans, corn, or jalapeños can amp up the flavor and make it even more filling. Chicken Fajita Casserole is a fuss-free, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Potlucks
Weeknight meals
Game day
Mexican food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Chicken Fajita Casserole will become a new favorite:

Bold Flavor: The combination of fajita seasoning and fresh veggies delivers a zesty, mouthwatering flavor.
Easy to Make: This casserole comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
Comforting and Filling: Hearty chicken and melted cheese make it a filling meal that will keep you satisfied.
Perfectly Layered: The layers of seasoned chicken, peppers, onions, and cheese create a satisfying bite every time.
Customizable Ingredients: Add your favorite veggies or spice it up with extra heat from jalapeños or chili powder.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this casserole, making it great for the whole family.
Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a quick meal later in the week.
Great Leftovers: The flavors only get better as it sits, making it ideal for leftovers.
Mexican-Inspired Comfort Food: This dish combines the classic flavors of fajitas with the convenience of a casserole.
One-Pan Wonder: With just one pan to clean, this dish makes for easy prep and cleanup.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fajita Casserole:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 packet fajita seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 cup sour cream
½ cup chicken broth
6-8 flour tortillas, cut into strips

Ingredient Highlights

Fajita Seasoning: Adds authentic Mexican flavors to the dish.
Bell Peppers and Onions: These veggies give the casserole its fajita flair and delicious crunch.
Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy, it adds protein and heartiness to the casserole.
Cheese: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a creamy, melty texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Fajita Casserole:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked. Shred the chicken once it cools.
Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions until softened, about 5 minutes.
Mix Chicken and Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, fajita seasoning mix, tomatoes, green chilies, sour cream, and chicken broth.
Layer the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips, followed by half of the chicken mixture. Repeat with the remaining tortilla strips and chicken mixture.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with cilantro, sour cream, or salsa.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken Fajita Casserole:

With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
With Guacamole: Pair with homemade guacamole for a creamy, tangy contrast.
With Mexican Rice: Serve alongside Mexican rice for a traditional and filling meal.
As a Wrap: Scoop the casserole into tortillas for a fun, handheld meal.
With Salsa: Add a side of salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
For Game Day: Serve in a large dish for easy sharing during sports events.
With Tortilla Chips: Enjoy with crispy tortilla chips for added crunch.
With Refried Beans: Serve with refried beans for a delicious, hearty side.
With Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime over the casserole for a zesty kick.
As a Meal Prep Option: Divide the casserole into individual portions for a quick lunch throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice, olive oil, and fajita seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by shredding a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
Cheese Blend Magic: Mix different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack for a gooey, flavorful topping.
Add Crunch: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top for a satisfying crunch.
Go Low-Carb: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or use low-carb tortillas to make it keto-friendly.
Enhance the Veggies: Roast bell peppers and onions beforehand to intensify their sweetness and flavor.
Prep in Advance: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Pair with Sides: Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Freeze for Later: Make a double batch and freeze one for a quick and easy future dinner.

Recipe Variations

Beef Fajita Casserole: Replace the chicken with ground beef or steak for a beefier version.
Vegetarian Fajita Casserole: Omit the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and corn.
Low-Carb Version: Use low-carb tortillas or omit the tortillas for a keto-friendly option.
Spicy Chicken Fajita Casserole: Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole: Add an extra layer of cheese for a richer, cheesier dish.
Crispy Topping: Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for baking the casserole.
Skillet: For cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
Sharp Knife: For slicing the veggies and cutting the tortillas.
Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the casserole ingredients.
Foil: To cover the casserole while baking.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking and shredding.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I use instead of fajita seasoning?
You can make your own fajita seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas work great in this casserole for a healthier twist.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese to your liking for an extra cheesy casserole.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan sour cream and shredded plant-based cheese.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, extra chili powder, or hot sauce to increase the heat level.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use other meats like meat?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for cooked shredded meat for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings all the zesty flavors of fajitas into a convenient, baked casserole. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, onions, and melty cheese, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. Seasoned with classic fajita spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, the chicken and veggies bake together, creating a savory and satisfying meal. A layer of melted cheese on top ties everything together, while optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro add a refreshing finish.

I’d love to see your Chicken Fajita Casserole creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious, cheesy casseroles. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made this dish your own with your favorite toppings or side dishes!