Sizzling Homestyle Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe For Dinner

Hearty home cooks adore this chicken fajita casserole that packs a punch of southwest flavors into every single bite.

Mexican-inspired dishes always spark excitement in my kitchen, promising delicious adventures.

Layers of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and zesty spices create a mouthwatering meal that feels like a fiesta.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet satisfying, and this casserole delivers exactly what you want.

Melted cheese blankets seasoned ingredients, promising comfort in each forkful.

The recipe combines simplicity with bold taste, making it perfect for busy families seeking a crowd-pleasing meal.

Grab your skillet and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm throughout.

What Goes Well with Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Classic lime margaritas perfectly complement the spicy, zesty flavors of chicken fajita casserole, cutting through the richness with their bright citrus notes and tequila kick.
• Homemade pico de gallo or fresh salsa verde add vibrant freshness, providing a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole and enhancing the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Fluffy white rice seasoned with fresh cilantro and lime juice creates a light, refreshing accompaniment that balances the hearty, cheesy chicken fajita casserole and absorbs its delicious sauce.
• A crisp, cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial offers a clean, light finish that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, spicy casserole.

Different Ways to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or black beans. Use plant-based cheese for a completely meat-free version that maintains the same delicious fajita flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap out traditional tortillas with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use low-fat cheese and add extra vegetables to create a protein-packed, carbohydrate-conscious meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all seasoning mixes are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free cheese and serve with cauliflower rice or gluten-free tortillas for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot pepper cheese, and incorporating chipotle powder into the fajita seasoning for a fiery kick.

Love This Chicken Fajita Casserole? Here’s Why

• Combines classic fajita flavors in an easy casserole format that kids and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Can be served multiple ways- with tortillas, over rice, or standalone, offering flexible dining options for different preferences and hunger levels.
• Uses just one skillet and a baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and making post-meal cleanup a breeze for tired home cooks.

Ingredients Checklist for Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Chicken Strips: Juicy and tender protein that absorbs fajita seasoning perfectly. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy preparation.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and crunch to the casserole. Select fresh, crisp bell peppers in various colors for visual appeal.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a melty, golden topping. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting quality.

• Fajita Seasoning: Blend of spices that gives authentic Mexican flavor. Homemade or store-bought works well.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall taste. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and adds subtle flavor. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best taste.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, herbal notes. Chop just before serving.
• Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa: Optional toppings that complement the casserole. Fresh or store-bought options work great.

• Tortillas, Rice: Traditional sides that complete the meal. Warm tortillas or fluffy rice pair perfectly.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fajita seasoning blend

Cook the chicken until it turns golden and nearly done, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Layer The Flavors

• Cooked chicken strips
• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped onions

Dust the vegetables with remaining fajita seasoning.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Spread cheese evenly across the top.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until cheese melts and gets slightly bubbly.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the casserole.

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Warm tortillas
• Steamed rice

Tips to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole Even Better

• Customize Chicken Cut: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, while breasts provide a leaner option.
• Spice Control: Adjust fajita seasoning intensity by adding more or less to suit personal heat tolerance. Homemade or store-bought seasoning works perfectly for this versatile casserole.
• Veggie Variety: Experiment with different colored bell peppers or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to boost nutrition and create exciting flavor combinations.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional tortillas with cauliflower rice or serve over a bed of mixed greens for a keto-friendly version that maintains all the delicious fajita flavors.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal planning.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken fajita casserole brings zesty Mexican flavors to your dinner table with layers of tender chicken, peppers, and melted cheese. Families will savor this comforting one-dish meal that combines spicy seasonings and easy preparation for a satisfying dinner you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (or use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully adding chicken strips seasoned with salt, pepper, and half the fajita blend. Sauté until the protein develops a golden exterior and reaches near-complete doneness, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer chicken from the skillet.
3. Create a vibrant layered foundation in the prepared baking dish by arranging the golden chicken strips as the initial base, then generously distribute sliced bell peppers and onions across the surface. Dust the entire vegetable layer with remaining fajita seasoning for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Blanket the vegetable and chicken mixture with a luxurious combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring an even, comprehensive coverage that promises a melty, indulgent texture.
5. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and cook for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil covering, returning the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape.
7. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro across the casserole’s surface, creating a bright, herbaceous accent.
8. Complement the dish with optional accompaniments like cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, or zesty salsa, serving alongside warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or enjoying independently as a complete meal.

Notes

• Adjust heat intensity by selecting mild or spicy fajita seasoning to match personal preference and tolerance levels.
• Slice chicken and vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
• Substitute dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or vegan dieters.
• Prevent soggy texture by patting chicken and vegetables dry before cooking to remove excess moisture and achieve better caramelization.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg