Chicken Fajita Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavors of chicken fajitas in one convenient baked dish

• Perfect for family dinners or meal prep

• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or mix-ins

• Naturally gluten-free when served on its own

• Comforting, cheesy, and satisfying while still packed with vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts (cooked and shredded or cubed)

• Bell peppers (red, green, yellow – sliced)

• Onion (sliced)

• Olive oil

• Fajita seasoning (or homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese

• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

• Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté sliced bell peppers and onion until tender. Season with half of the fajita seasoning.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, the remaining fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well blended.

4. Fold in the sautéed peppers and onions.

5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

• Swap chicken for turkey or shrimp for a twist.

• Add cooked rice or pasta to make it a heartier one-dish meal.

• Make it low-carb by mixing in riced cauliflower instead of grains.

• Spice it up with jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen (before baking) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A Mexican blend melts beautifully, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are also great options.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, yogurt, and cheese alternatives.

How do I make homemade fajita seasoning?

Mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Can I add tortillas to the casserole?

Yes, you can layer small tortilla strips into the dish for a tamale pie–style texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your fajita seasoning is gluten-free, this recipe contains no gluten.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely—thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

What should I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with rice, a fresh salad, tortillas, or simple roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Chicken Fajita Casserole takes the classic flavors of sizzling fajitas and transforms them into a cheesy, baked comfort dish. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. With its creamy base, colorful veggies, and bold seasoning, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.

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