If you love the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine but want something effortless and crowd-pleasing, this Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe is just what you need. I absolutely love how it combines all the bold fajita tastes of seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onions baked together and topped with melty cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a hearty dish for casual get-togethers.

When I first tried this casserole, I was hooked by how easy it is to prep and how the flavors meld perfectly in the oven, making weeknights feel special without any fuss. You’ll find that it’s a versatile recipe that adapts well to whatever toppings or sides you love, making it as simple or as loaded as you want. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe box.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and a one-dish bake make weeknights easier.
  • Flavor-Packed: The fajita seasoning and roasted veggies give layers of authentic taste.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this casserole and requests it often.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or sides to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe come together beautifully to deliver that classic fajita flavor in an easy baked form. Look for fresh bell peppers and quality chicken breasts for the best texture and taste.

  • Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless cuts make prep quick and the chicken cooks evenly.
  • Bell peppers (red and yellow): These add a sweet, colorful crunch that balances the savory chicken.
  • Onion (yellow or white): Adds a mild sharpness and caramelizes beautifully while baking.
  • Fajita seasoning: I like using a good quality store-bought blend or homemade mix for bold flavor.
  • Olive oil: Helps to coat the ingredients for roasting and adds a nice richness.
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend): Melts over the top and ties all the flavors together with creaminess.
  • Flour tortillas (optional): Warmed and served on the side for scooping up the casserole—such a hit!
  • Sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, sliced jalapenos (optional toppings): These toppings add freshness, creaminess, and extra flavor punches.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m a big fan of switching things up with this Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Don’t be afraid to add your personal touch or try a healthier swap.

  • Protein Swap: I’ve made it with turkey strips or thinly sliced steak, and it works wonderfully for different flavor profiles.
  • Veggie Boost: My go-to is to toss in some sliced mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies and texture.
  • Spice Level: Feel free to turn up the heat by adding diced jalapeños right into the casserole, or keep it mild for the kids.
  • Dairy-Free: I’ve also used dairy-free cheese and it still melts nicely, making this suitable for lactose-intolerant friends.

How to Make Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken

Start by placing one tablespoon of fajita seasoning and one tablespoon of olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced chicken breasts and use clean hands to toss and coat the strips evenly with the seasoning mixture. This step infuses your chicken with that bold fajita flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken in the Baking Dish

Transfer the seasoned chicken strips to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread them out evenly. This ensures even cooking and room for the veggies.

Step 3: Prepare Your Veggies with Seasoning

In the same bowl, mix the remaining one tablespoon of fajita seasoning with the other tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion strips, tossing until they’re fully coated. This double use of the seasoning bowl saves you dishes and guarantees flavor coverage.

Step 4: Layer Veggies Over Chicken

Layer the seasoned bell peppers and onions over the chicken in the casserole dish. You want a good balance so every bite has a bit of meat and veggies.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese blend evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye towards the end to avoid overbaking and drying out the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, top with fresh cilantro leaves and serve right from the casserole dish. Warm up flour tortillas to scoop up the fajita goodness, and add your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, or avocado for that perfect finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe

  • Use Clean Hands for Coating: I like using my hands to mix the chicken and veggies because it really ensures every piece is well seasoned.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken and veggies some space in the dish to roast evenly rather than steam.
  • Preheat Your Oven Fully: Starting with a hot oven helps seal in juices and gets a nice melt on the cheese.
  • Topping Timing: Add delicate garnishes like cilantro after baking to keep them vibrant and fresh.

How to Serve Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe

Chicken Fajitas Casserole, Mexican casserole recipe, easy chicken casserole, weeknight dinner ideas, cheesy fajita casserole The image shows a clear glass baking dish full of cooked ingredients layered together. The base layer is golden yellow melted cheese mixed with light brown cooked chicken strips. On top, there are layers of sliced white onions and bright red and yellow bell pepper slices scattered evenly. Some pieces have a light char, giving a slightly browned look. Green herb leaves are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh touch. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a pair of metal tongs resting on the edge. In the background, there is a stack of white tortillas slightly out of focus.

Garnishes

I always top my Chicken Fajitas Casserole with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro right before serving. It adds that bright, herbaceous pop that balances the hearty flavors. Sour cream and diced avocado are my go-to toppings, bringing creaminess that cools down the slight heat in the fajita seasoning. I also recommend serving with some sliced jalapeños if you want to amp up the spice factor!

Side Dishes

To keep things simple and flavorful, I usually serve this casserole with warm flour tortillas, perfect for scooping up the layers. A fresh side of Mexican rice or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette complements the dish nicely too. Sometimes, I whip up a quick black bean salad to add protein and texture variety at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I like to serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish so everyone can help themselves. But for special celebrations, I’ve experimented with plating it in mini cast iron skillets or layering the ingredients in individual ramekins topped with melted cheese for a cute, elevated presentation. It makes the meal feel a bit more festive without a lot of extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days, which makes for a convenient lunch or easy dinner the next day. I’ve noticed that the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the casserole taste even better the following day.

Freezing

This Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe freezes quite well; I portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil to keep it moist. You can quickly remove foil in the last few minutes for the cheese to get melty again. Microwave works in a pinch but might make it a bit softer in texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

    While fresh chicken is best for even cooking and texture, you can use thawed frozen chicken breasts if you ensure they are fully defrosted before mixing with seasoning and baking. Partial thawing could affect cooking times.

  2. Is fajita seasoning easy to make at home?

    Absolutely! Fajita seasoning usually includes chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Making your own allows you to adjust heat and salt levels, plus it’s great for freshness and avoiding additives.

  3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

    Yes, prepping your chicken and veggies ahead and assembling the casserole ready to bake is a great time saver. Refrigerate the unbaked dish covered and bake when you’re ready. Just add the cheese before baking.

  4. What cheese works best for Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe?

    Cheddar cheese is classic and flavorful, but I also love using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the perfect melt and mild creaminess. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite dishes to make when I want all the fun of fajitas without the hassle of standing over the stove or rolling individual wraps. It’s straightforward, delicious, and everyone at my table always ends up smiling with seconds. I’m excited for you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed how easily these flavors come together and how satisfying a casserole can be. It’s comfort food with a spicy twist that your family and friends will love just as much as mine do.

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Chicken Fajitas Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Description

Chicken Fajitas Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked dish featuring tender chicken strips seasoned with fajita spices, mixed with colorful bell peppers and onions, topped with melted cheese. Served with warm flour tortillas and optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and jalapenos, this casserole offers a delicious twist on traditional fajitas that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced into 1 inch strips
  • 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced into strips
  • 1 medium sized onion (yellow or white), sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning, separated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, separated
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)

Optional Serving Suggestions

  • 12 small flour tortillas (4-5 inch size)
  • Sour cream
  • Finely diced tomatoes
  • Diced avocado
  • Cilantro leaves
  • Sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Place one tablespoon of fajita seasoning and one tablespoon of olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix well, then add chicken strips. Stir and use your hands to ensure the chicken is fully coated with the seasoning.
  2. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish, then place the seasoned chicken strips evenly inside.
  3. Season the Vegetables: In the same mixing bowl, combine the remaining one tablespoon of fajita seasoning with one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion strips, and toss well to coat them evenly.
  4. Add Vegetables to Casserole: Spread the seasoned peppers and onions over the chicken in the casserole dish.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with warmed flour tortillas and your choice of sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, and sliced jalapenos.

Notes

  • Pre-slice the chicken, peppers, and onions ahead of time and store separately in the fridge to save time.
  • Prepare all toppings in individual bowls ahead of time and cover until ready to serve.
  • Heat tortillas on a cast iron griddle about five minutes before the casserole finishes baking for best flavor and texture.
  • Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish to minimize cleanup.

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