Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts topped with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese. It combines classic fajita flavors in a comforting casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner, served with your choice of rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 2 medium bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (any melting cheese)
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Season the Chicken: In your baking dish, coat the chicken breasts evenly with the fajita seasoning and vegetable oil, using your hands or a spoon to distribute the seasoning thoroughly.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Layer the sliced bell peppers and onions on top of the seasoned chicken. Sprinkle a little extra fajita seasoning over the vegetables for enhanced flavor, then top everything with shredded cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, optionally alongside garlic butter pasta, plain rice, Mexican rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Any melting cheese works well in this recipe.
- For a lower-calorie version, omit the cheese and instead top with a mixture of parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, sprayed lightly with oil before baking.
- Cubing the chicken breasts can reduce the baking time.
- You can add cooked pasta (al dente) directly into the casserole for a heartier dish.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave as preferred.
