Chicken Fajita Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that blends the warm, savory spices of Mexican fajitas with the rich, satisfying flavors of melted cheese and baked chicken. It’s made in just one dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner with the family. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or weekend dinners where you want something hearty yet simple.

This recipe combines tender chicken breast, a trio of bell peppers, onions, and your favorite cheese, all seasoned with bold fajita spices. Everything goes into the oven in a single pan, and within 30 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole with juicy chicken and melty cheese covering a bed of tender vegetables.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can also use boneless thighs for more flavor and juiciness)

Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and sliced into thin wedges

Cheese

• 1½ cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina all work well)

Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating the chicken and veggies)
• 1 packet of fajita seasoning mix (or homemade: combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)

Instructions

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat chicken dry. Place in dish. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with half the fajita seasoning. Rub in evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Slice all peppers and onions. Toss in a bowl with remaining olive oil and seasoning. Scatter over and around chicken in dish.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle cheese over entire dish. Add extra for a cheesier finish if desired.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

• Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge after preheating the oven.
• Store leftovers in single-serve containers for easy weekday lunches. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

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Tips and Variations

• Faster Cooking: Cut chicken into chunks for quicker baking.
• Add Carbs: Mix in cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa before baking.
• Add Crunch: Swap cheese topping with seasoned breadcrumbs.
• More Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
• Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese or skip it entirely.

What to Serve With

• Garlic Butter Pasta or Rice: Adds comfort and soaks up the sauce.
• Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb pairing.
• Green Salad: Adds freshness and balances richness.
• Guacamole or Pico de Gallo: Adds a tangy contrast and freshness.

Reheating and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave 1–2 minutes per portion.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a simple, wholesome, and flavorful dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its zesty seasoning, tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy melted cheese, this casserole offers all the best parts of fajitas with none of the fuss. It’s ideal for family dinners, casual entertaining, and weeknight meals when you want something homemade and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work just as well and add extra flavor.

→ What kind of cheese is best?

Any cheese that melts well works—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are great choices.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

→ Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ How can I make it low-carb?

This dish is already low-carb, but you can serve it with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.