Hey y’all! If you crave the zesty flavors of Tex-Mex, this easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is about to become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen. Packed with juicy chicken, colorful peppers, layers of gooey cheese, and a punch of smoky fajita seasoning, this one-pan wonder is just what you need for busy evenings, relaxed weekends, or potlucks. It’s hearty, quick, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Grab your baking dish—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Casserole
- One-pan magic means easy prep and cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Melty cheese and tender chicken make every bite irresistibly creamy and satisfying.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week.
- Customizable – add your favorite toppings or swap veggies for your own twist.
- Low-carb and gluten-free friendly for healthy weeknight dinners.
Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole: Step-By-Step Directions
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Season Chicken & Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, toss chicken strips, sliced bell peppers, and onions with olive oil. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so everything is coated with those delicious spices.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the seasoned chicken and veggie mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Dollop the sour cream on top in small spoonfuls, then sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over everything.
4. Bake Till Bubbly
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature hits 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish & Serve!
Remove casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes, then top with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25-30 minutes | Total time: 40-45 minutes
Notes & Cooking Tips for Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Use pre-cut fajita veggies or shredded rotisserie chicken for even faster prep (meal prep tips).
- If you like a little heat, toss in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Don’t overcook – check chicken for doneness at 25 minutes for best texture (safe chicken temperatures).
3 Delicious Chicken Fajita Casserole Variations
- Loaded Rice Fajita Casserole: Stir in 1 cup cooked rice before baking for a heartier dish.
- Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole: Omit sour cream and sub with cream cheese, go extra on low-carb veggies.
- Veggie-Packed: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for even more flavor and nutrition.
Equipment Needed for Chicken Fajita Casserole
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
- Spatula or serving spoon
Chicken Fajita Casserole Storage & Shelf Life
Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating (full freezer guide).
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Garnish with extra cilantro, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve over warm tortillas, steamed rice, or as a filling for lettuce wraps.
- Pair with black beans, Mexican street corn, or a crisp green salad on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole Pro Tips
- For the best cheesy crust, broil for the last 2 minutes—keep an eye out so it doesn’t burn! (Learn more about broiling techniques at Food Network).
- Slicing chicken and veggies thinly ensures faster, more even cooking.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps keep it juicy and makes slicing easier.
Chicken Fajita Casserole FAQ
Can I assemble Chicken Fajita Casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare up until baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, both work well! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richer flavor—just be sure to slice into strips for even cooking.
Is Chicken Fajita Casserole spicy?
This recipe is mildly spiced, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or jalapeños to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil.
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2In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, fajita seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly coated.
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3Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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4Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
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5Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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6Remove from the oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
370 caloriescal
Protein:
34 gg
Fat:
20 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
10 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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