Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex straight to your dinner table with minimal fuss, Chicken Fajita Casserole is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine everything you adore about sizzling chicken fajitas—tender chicken, colorful peppers, and bold spices—melded together in a creamy, cheesy bake that’s as satisfying as it is simple to assemble. This casserole is pure comfort, easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve to friends. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be customized to fit your family’s tastes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Fajita Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one thoughtfully chosen to maximize flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheesy pull. Don’t skip on any—every single component plays a starring role in the final dish!
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook up golden and delicious in the skillet.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and the perfect protein-packed bite.
- Red, Green, and Yellow Bell Peppers: This trio brings color, crunch, and a sweet depth to every forkful.
- Medium Onion: Sliced and sautéed for a subtle sweetness that ties the dish together.
- Fajita Seasoning: The magic blend that delivers bold, unmistakable Tex-Mex flavor.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of savory warmth.
- Chili Powder: Gives a gentle kick and smoky undertone.
- Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, this spice brings authentic fajita flair.
- Paprika: Adds a pop of color and mild sweetness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
- Sour Cream: Makes the casserole creamy and tangy.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to blend smoothly and add indulgent richness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic gooey top.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild and creamy, it balances the cheddar perfectly.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro: For a fresh, herby finish just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces and cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through—this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as you want the chicken to sear, not steam. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside; you’ll bring it back soon!
Step 2: Cook the Peppers and Onion
In the same skillet (no need to wash it—those flavorful bits are gold!), toss in your sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for around 4 to 5 minutes until they’re just softened but still vibrant in color. This step adds sweetness and a little crunch, which makes every bite more interesting.
Step 3: Season Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the peppers and onions. Sprinkle in the fajita seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in those fragrant spices. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Mix them together until silky smooth—this luscious base is what gives Chicken Fajita Casserole its signature creaminess. Next, fold in your seasoned chicken and veggie mixture, making sure every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in your chicken mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden, cheesy top that invites you to dig in.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle it with plenty of fresh cilantro. This final touch adds a burst of color and a hint of brightness that makes the whole dish sing. Now you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole
Garnishes
The right garnish can turn a great casserole into something truly special. A generous scattering of chopped fresh cilantro not only adds color but also a fresh, herby lift. For extra flair, add sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime just before serving—each brings its own unique brightness to the dish.
Side Dishes
Chicken Fajita Casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes your meal to the next level. Fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp green salad are all fantastic choices. For a lower-carb option, serve it atop cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed zucchini. Don’t forget a scoop of salsa or a dollop of guacamole on the side!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this casserole into a festive, build-your-own fajita night! Serve it buffet-style with bowls of toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, and even crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Or, spoon the casserole into warm tortillas for easy handheld fajita wraps—perfect for a fun family dinner or casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Fajita Casserole, you’re in luck—it makes delicious lunches and reheats beautifully! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making each bite even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole for later. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion it into airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved in 1-minute intervals, stirring halfway through. If the casserole seems a bit dry after chilling, add a spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds delicious flavor. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it with the sautéed veggies and seasonings as directed.
How can I make Chicken Fajita Casserole spicier?
If you love a kick, stir in some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when combining the chicken and veggies. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes or choose a spicier fajita seasoning blend.
Is Chicken Fajita Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure your fajita seasoning and any additional toppings or sides you serve are also gluten-free if needed.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold.
What cheese substitutes work if I don’t have Monterey Jack?
You can substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella for a milder, extra-melty result, or use pepper jack for a spicy twist. Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses to personalize your Chicken Fajita Casserole.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a piping hot Chicken Fajita Casserole coming out of the oven—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. If you’re craving a meal that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable, you can’t go wrong here. Give it a try, and let it become a new staple in your dinner rotation!
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Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a creamy blend of cheeses and spices. Perfectly seasoned with fajita spices and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s gluten-free and ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until they become slightly soft but still retain some crunch.
- Add seasoning and combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken and veggies with the spices.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the spiced chicken and vegetable mixture to the creamy bowl and stir thoroughly until everything is coated evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm, optionally with rice, tortillas, or a side salad.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to reduce prep and cook time.
- Serve with rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh side salad for a full meal.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra spiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
