Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Fajita Casserole is a fantastic choice for a hearty family meal or a gathering with friends. It combines the flavors of fajitas with the convenience of a casserole. You get tender chicken, colorful veggies, and melted cheese all in one dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into strips)
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green, sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime (juiced)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine chicken strips with olive oil, lime juice, and the homemade fajita seasoning. Let marinate for at least 10–15 minutes.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onion to the bowl and toss everything to coat evenly.
- Layer half of the chicken and veggie mix in the baking dish. Top with half the diced tomatoes and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm tortillas or rice.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole
Serve your Chicken Fajita Casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs well with warm tortillas or rice. You can also add toppings like sour cream, avocado, or extra lime wedges for added flavor.
How to Store Chicken Fajita Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at a low temperature or microwave it until warmed through.
Tips to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for the full 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or corn.
- If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
Variation
You can switch out the chicken for shrimp or beef if you prefer. Another option is to use different types of cheese based on your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but remember to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients for the seasonings, this dish is gluten-free!
Chicken Fajita Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large skillet
- medium bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
Fajita Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 3 medium bell peppers assorted colors, sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes undrained
Creamy Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
For Serving (Optional)
- tortillas
- salsa
- guacamole
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and fajita seasoning; cook until chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion; cook until tender-crisp. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes.
Assemble Casserole
- In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Combine the cooked chicken, bell peppers, onion, and tomato mixture with the creamy sauce in the large skillet.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake and Serve
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot, optionally with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.