Introduction
Are you looking for a tasty, easy-to-make dinner that your whole family will love? Then you’ll love Chicken Fajita Casserole! It’s packed with flavor, loaded with healthy veggies, and full of cheesy goodness. Think of it as all your favorite fajita ingredients baked together in one big dish.
The best part? You don’t need to stand over a hot stove cooking fajitas one by one. It’s great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prep. So if you love chicken, bell peppers, onions, and gooey cheese, keep reading. This recipe is simple enough for beginners and delicious enough to make again and again.
Ingredients – Chicken Fajita Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Fajita Casserole:
For the main dish:
- 2 to 3 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, sliced into strips)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced thin)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced thin)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced thin)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Optional:
- Tortilla chips or rice (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Process – Chicken Fajita Casserole
Let’s walk through the process together. It’s super easy!
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the ingredients.
Step 2: Slice and season
- Slice the chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onion into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, add the chicken, peppers, and onions. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle in the spices — chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so all the pieces are coated with seasoning.
Step 3: Arrange in a baking dish
- Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it (you can use a bit of oil or cooking spray).
- Pour the seasoned chicken and veggie mix into the dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake the dish
- Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are soft.
- You can check if the chicken is done by cutting into a piece — it should be white in the middle, not pink.
Step 5: Add the cheese
- Once the chicken is cooked, take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Put the dish back in the oven for about 5–10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Take the casserole out and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scoop it out and serve it as is, or over rice, with tortilla chips, or wrapped in warm tortillas. Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some fresh cilantro if you like.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Calcium | 220mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes since the chicken is already cooked. Add it with the veggies and follow the rest of the steps.
Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Fajita Casserole?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight and bake until hot.
Q3: What can I use instead of chicken?
You can swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even tofu if you want a meat-free version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q4: Is this casserole spicy?
Not really. The chili powder and paprika add flavor, but it’s not very hot. If you like more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Q5: What side dishes go well with this?
It pairs well with Spanish rice, black beans, corn salad, or tortilla chips. It’s also great on its own!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fajita Casserole is the perfect meal when you want something quick, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s a fun twist on the classic fajita, and best of all — you only need one pan!
It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies (the peppers and onions get so sweet when baked). Plus, the creamy cheese on top brings it all together. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal prepping for the week, this casserole checks all the boxes: easy, yummy, and satisfying.
So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this recipe. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite!
