Zesty & Flavorful Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe For Dinner

Mexican-inspired weeknight chicken fajita casserole brings sizzling flavors right to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Spices dance across each bite, promising a delicious twist on traditional fajitas.

Quick and easy preparation means you can enjoy this hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Comfort meets excitement in this simple yet spectacular dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crispy edges, creamy center, and bold seasonings guarantee everyone will ask for seconds.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience a dinner that’ll become an instant family favorite.

FAQs On Chicken Fajita Casserole

• What makes this Chicken Fajita Casserole different from traditional fajitas?

This casserole combines the classic fajita flavors in a baked dish, making it easier to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Instead of individual tortillas, you get all the delicious ingredients layered and baked together with melted cheese.

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken strips, you can easily substitute with beef strips, shrimp, or even make it vegetarian by using plant-based protein or extra vegetables. The fajita seasoning works great with various protein options.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your fajita seasoning. Most store-bought or homemade fajita seasonings have a mild to moderate kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose a mild seasoning or reduce the amount. You can always add hot sauce on the side for those who want extra heat.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean chicken breast, opt for low-fat cheese, and load up on more vegetables. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping, which adds protein and reduces calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

Why Chicken Fajita Casserole Is A Flavorful Meal

• Savor the Speedy Spice Explosion: This chicken fajita casserole delivers a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired meal that bursts with flavor in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Enjoy Effortless Layered Deliciousness: The simple one-pan assembly method allows you to stack ingredients quickly, creating a hassle-free meal that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant dish without complex cooking techniques.
• Experience Customizable Comfort Food: Packed with versatile toppings and serving options, this casserole adapts to individual preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for families and gatherings with different taste buds.
• Celebrate Protein-Packed Nutrition: Lean chicken combined with colorful bell peppers provides a balanced, nutrient-rich meal that satisfies hunger while delivering essential proteins and vitamins in every delicious bite.

What You Need For Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Chicken Strips: Tender protein that brings the main flavor and substance to the casserole, best when using fresh boneless skinless chicken breast.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that add richness and create a golden, gooey topping.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet vegetables that provide crunch and vibrant flavor, mix red, green, and yellow for visual appeal.
• Onions: Adds depth and sweetness, creates a classic fajita base flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and adds a subtle flavor base.
• Fajita Seasoning: Gives authentic Mexican-style spice blend to the entire dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright, final garnish.
• Sour Cream: Optional creamy topping for serving.
• Guacamole, Salsa: Optional fresh accompaniments for added flavor.
• Tortillas, Rice: Optional serving suggestions for completing the meal.

How To Make Chicken Fajita Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Space

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray. Fire up the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready and waiting.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Chicken strips
• Fajita seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is almost fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Set the chicken aside once it’s looking delicious.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Layers

• Colorful bell peppers
• Sliced onions

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, melted cheese that’s slightly golden at the edges.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa

Serve alongside warm tortillas or fluffy rice, or simply enjoy this zesty dish on its own.

Cooking Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try using a mix of different colored bell peppers to make the casserole look even more appetizing!

Tips That Work For Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Customize Seasoning Blend: Mix your own fajita seasoning with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a personalized flavor profile that elevates the dish's taste.
• Prep Veggies in Advance: Slice bell peppers and onions earlier in the day to reduce cooking time and make assembly faster during busy weeknights.
• Swap Protein Options: Replace chicken with shrimp, beef strips, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh to accommodate different dietary preferences and keep the meal exciting.
• Boost Nutrition Smartly: Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or black beans to increase nutritional value without compromising the casserole's delicious essence.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

How To Store And Reheat Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken fajita casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between cycles to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed.

Tasty Sides For Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Blend a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the spicy fajita flavors. The citrusy, tangy drink cuts through the rich cheese and balances the savory chicken perfectly.
• Serve with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Whip up a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This bright, fresh salsa adds a crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole and brings extra vibrancy to each bite.
• Match with Mexican Street Corn: Grill corn on the cob, slather with mayo, sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. This classic side dish echoes the Mexican-inspired flavors of the casserole and provides a delightful textural complement.
• Choose a Crisp Mexican Lager: Crack open a cold Modelo Especial or Corona. The light, refreshing beer cleanses the palate between bites and stands up to the robust spices in the chicken fajita casserole.

Creative Variations Of Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, and hot sauce to the fajita seasoning. Replace some cheddar with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Mexican Bake: Swap chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and corn. Use a blend of vegetarian-friendly cheeses like queso fresco and monterey jack. Add zucchini and spinach for extra nutrition.
• Tex-Mex Breakfast Casserole: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled eggs, chorizo, and topped with crispy hash browns. Sprinkle green onions and serve with fresh pico de gallo for a morning meal.
• Low-Carb Green Chili Chicken Casserole: Replace bell peppers with roasted green chiles, use cauliflower rice as a base, and incorporate cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture. Garnish with sliced avocados and fresh cilantro.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired chicken fajita casserole brings zesty flavors to dinner tables with bold spices and cheesy goodness. Layers of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese promise a delicious meal that satisfies spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced

Seasonings and Cheeses:

• 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
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish and Serving:

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 375F (190C) and delicately coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Introduce chicken strips, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and half the fajita spice blend. Sauté until chicken develops a golden exterior and reaches near-complete doneness, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer chicken from heat source.
3. Arrange the partially cooked chicken across the prepared baking dish’s surface. Distribute sliced bell peppers and onions evenly across the protein layer. Dust the remaining fajita seasoning over vegetable mixture. Sprinkle a generous blanket of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, then slide into preheated oven. Roast for 20 minutes, maintaining the foil cover. Afterward, remove protective foil and continue baking an additional 10 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling landscape.
5. Extract the casserole from oven and adorn with freshly chopped cilantro. Present alongside complementary accompaniments like smooth sour cream, creamy guacamole, or zesty salsa. Serve alongside warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or enjoy independently as a complete meal.

Notes

• Dial down the spice by using mild fajita seasoning or creating a homemade blend with less heat for sensitive palates.
• Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or jackfruit to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
• Opt for low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese options to make this casserole more diet-friendly without compromising on flavor.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time by chopping vegetables and cooking chicken in advance, which cuts down total cooking time and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg