Fajita Chicken Casserole: A Flavorful and Easy One-Pan Dish

Introduction

Fajita Chicken Casserole is a rich, hearty dish packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. It combines tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a creamy cheese blend, all baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Whether you’re a fan of classic fajitas or love a good baked dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

This casserole takes all the essential flavors of traditional chicken fajitas and transforms them into a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal. By using a single baking dish, it simplifies preparation and cleanup, making it ideal for anyone looking for a stress-free dinner option. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Whether you add rice, tortillas, or keep it low-carb, this casserole provides a convenient way to enjoy the bold taste of fajitas without the hassle of stovetop cooking. Fajita Chicken Casserole

Key Benefits Fajita Chicken Casserole

• Easy to Prepare – Requires minimal prep and only one baking dish.
• Versatile – Can be customized with different add-ins like rice, tortillas, or beans.
• Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Great for leftovers and reheats well.
• Nutritious – Packed with protein and fiber while being lower in carbs if made without tortillas or rice.
• Great for Gatherings – Serves a crowd easily and can be doubled for potlucks or parties.
• Customizable Spice Level – Adjust the seasoning to suit your spice preference.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Freezer-Friendly – Can be made ahead and frozen for later use.

Ingredients Fajita Chicken Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fajita Seasoning Mix:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions Fajita Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Vegetables – In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the bell peppers and onions until tender. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds depth to the flavor.
3. Prepare Chicken Mixture – In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cream cheese, and seasonings. Stir until well combined, ensuring that the creamy ingredients coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
4. Layer the Casserole – If using rice, spread it evenly in the baking dish. Pour the chicken mixture over the rice, distributing it evenly.
5. Add Cheese & Bake – Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Rest & Serve – Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes slicing easier.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make It Low-Carb: Skip the rice and tortillas to keep it keto-friendly.
• Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be great additions.
• Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, mix in a little heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
• Tortilla Layer: If you love traditional fajitas, add a layer of tortillas at the bottom to soak up the flavors and create a layered effect.
• Black Bean Addition: If you want more fiber and protein, toss in a can of black beans before baking.
• Cheese Variations: Swap out Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack if you prefer a spicier flavor.
• Add a Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a crunchy texture.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Add a Smoky Flavor: Roast the bell peppers before adding them for a smoky depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas.
• Pair with a side of guacamole or salsa.
• Add a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime.
• Serve with Mexican rice or refried beans for a heartier meal.
• Top with fresh cilantro and diced avocado for a vibrant finish.
• For an extra crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side.
• Pair with a refreshing agua fresca or iced tea for a complete meal.
• Serve with pickled jalapeños for an added kick.

Conclusion

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy meals. It’s simple, delicious, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your dinner rotation. The combination of seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese creates an irresistible dish that satisfies cravings without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals ahead of time, this casserole is sure to please. Fajita Chicken Casserole

FAQs Fajita Chicken Casserole

What goes with fajita casserole? Tortillas, rice, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or a fresh salad make great sides.

What ingredients are in chicken fajita? Traditional chicken fajitas include chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning.

What ingredients are in chicken casserole? Chicken casseroles often contain chicken, cheese, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.

What is chicken fajita seasoning made of? It typically includes chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

Recap Recipe

Short Description

A cheesy, flavorful Fajita Chicken Casserole that’s easy to make and packed with Tex-Mex goodness.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 320 per serving

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Sugar: 4g

Categorization

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free ingredients)
• Method: Baked
• Keyword: Fajita chicken casserole, Chicken fajita bake, Layered chicken fajita casserole
• Skill Level: Easy

Fajita Chicken Casserole: A Flavorful and Easy One-Pan Dish

Recipe by meatworksrecipesCourse: Chicken

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 2 cups cooked rice (optional)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Fajita Seasoning Mix

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Directions

• reheat & Prep
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Cook the Vegetables
• In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the bell peppers and onions until tender (about 5 minutes).
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning and enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• Prepare the Chicken Mixture
• In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and fajita seasoning.
• Stir until the creamy ingredients coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
• Layer the Casserole
• If using rice, spread it evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
• Pour the chicken mixture over the rice, ensuring an even layer.
• Add Cheese & Bake
• Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Rest & Serve
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

Notes

• Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover cooked chicken for convenience. If using raw chicken, cook and shred it before adding it to the casserole.
  Vegetable Choices: Feel free to swap or add veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
  Cheese Variations: Monterey Jack and cheddar work great, but you can try Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or a Mexican cheese blend for more flavor.
  Make it Creamier: If you prefer an extra creamy texture, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt before baking.
  Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and tortillas to make this a keto-friendly casserole.
  Add a Crunch: For a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs before baking.
  Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
  Storage Tips:
  Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  Freezer: Freeze the casserole before or after baking for up to 3 months. If frozen before baking, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
  Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second increments.