Love chicken fajitas but want something a little more cozy, comforting, and make-ahead friendly? Enter: Chicken Fajita Casserole. It’s got all the Tex-Mex vibes you love—tender seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, onions, and loads of gooey cheese—all layered into a hot, bubbling bake.
This casserole is weeknight magic. My grandma used to whip something similar together with leftover fajita fixings and it always turned out even better the next day. This version is quick to prep, easy to adapt, and delivers serious flavor in every forkful.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Casserole
- One pan, one bake: Easy cleanup and minimal dishes.
- All the flavor: Bold spices, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness.
- Customizable: Add beans, rice, or tortillas to bulk it up.
- Meal prep hero: Tastes even better reheated!
Table of Contents
🌶️ Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or homemade – see below)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Optional Homemade Fajita Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Sauté
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook until just browned (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add bell peppers and onions. Cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes more.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Top and Bake
- Sprinkle cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Add carbs: Layer cooked rice or tortilla strips at the bottom.
- Low-carb version: Skip tortillas or rice altogether.
- Swap the protein: Try steak, ground beef, or shrimp.
- Extra veggies: Add corn, black beans, or zucchini.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
- Reheat: Microwave or oven bake at 350°F until warmed through.
🍴 Perfect Pairings
- Sides: Cilantro lime rice, Mexican street corn, or guacamole.
- Toppings: Sliced avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Drinks: Classic margarita, iced tea, or sparkling lime water.
Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Tex-Mex
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American Comfort
Description
Try this cheesy, flavorful Chicken Fajita Casserole—packed with veggies and spice! A quick, family-friendly dinner everyone will crave.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or homemade – see below)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Optional Homemade Fajita Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Sauté
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook until just browned (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add bell peppers and onions. Cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes more.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Top and Bake
- Sprinkle cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Add carbs: Layer cooked rice or tortilla strips at the bottom.
- Low-carb version: Skip tortillas or rice altogether.
- Swap the protein: Try steak, ground beef, or shrimp.
- Extra veggies: Add corn, black beans, or zucchini.
Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, cheesy casserole, baked fajitas, easy chicken dinner, tex mex bake, low carb casserole, make ahead meal, family dinner, creamy chicken bake, mexican casserole
❓ FAQ: Chicken Fajita Casserole
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake (up to 24 hours).
Can I use a rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. Just skip the sauté step and mix cooked chicken with veggies and seasoning.
How spicy is it?
Mild as written—but add cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce for a spicy version.
What if I want it creamier?
Stir in a bit of cream cheese or more sour cream for an extra rich dish.
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