If you love sizzling fajitas but want something easier to prep and serve, this Chicken Fajita Casserole is your go-to weeknight winner.
It brings together tender chicken, colorful peppers, and bold Tex-Mex seasoning — all topped with melty cheese and baked to bubbly perfection. 🌮🧀
💛 Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- All the Flavor, Less Mess: Classic fajita taste with no stovetop juggling.
- One-Dish Wonder: Cooks and bakes in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the bold flavors and cheesy topping.
- Highly Customizable: Add rice, skip the carbs, or load it with toppings — your choice!
🛒 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
(or use: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne) - 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g. Rotel)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Chicken & Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5–6 minutes.
Add peppers and onions, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle in fajita seasoning and stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 3: Assemble
- If using cooked rice, spread it in the bottom of your prepared dish.
- Add the chicken and veggie mixture on top.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle evenly with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes.
Top with fresh cilantro and serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or corn on the cob.
- Scoop into lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
- Enjoy with a side of Spanish rice or refried beans.
🌶️ Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers any color, sliced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- or use homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne
- 1 cup cooked rice optional
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook Chicken & Veggies
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned (5–6 minutes).
- Add bell peppers and onion, sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in fajita seasoning to coat everything well.
- Step 3: Assemble
- If using, spread cooked rice in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer chicken and veggies on top.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Top with chopped cilantro.
- Serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas. Enjoy!
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fat: ~26g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~550mg
🔥 Tips for Success
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or use spicy Rotel for extra heat.
- Make It Low-Carb: Skip the rice and serve with lettuce wraps.
- Save Time: Prep chicken and veggies ahead for fast assembly.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for black beans and mushrooms.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ons
- Add corn or black beans for more texture and protein.
- Swap chicken with ground beef or turkey.
- Mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream for an ultra-creamy version.
- Layer with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a crunchy top.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx., for 6 servings)
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Sugar: 63g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
❓ FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze the unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Do I have to use both cheeses?
Nope! Use your favorite cheese or just one type — it’s flexible.
✅ Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner — fast, filling, and full of flavor.
It’s an all-in-one meal that delivers the bold taste of fajitas with the comfort of a cheesy bake.
Serve it as-is or pile it into tortillas for a family-friendly feast. 🌮🧀🔥
