Name: Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small red onion, sliced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning); Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you’ve ever craved the vibrant flavors of fajitas but wanted the warm, comforting vibe of a casserole, this Chicken Fajita Casserole is your new go-to dinner. It’s everything you love—tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, zingy tomatoes, and a velvety blanket of cheese—all layered into a bubbling, golden bake. Every bite has that Tex-Mex personality you get at your favorite restaurant, but all made in one baking dish in the middle of your own cozy kitchen. With minimal prep and loads of flavor, this casserole turns any busy night into a fiesta at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Chicken Fajita Casserole is how it turns simple, everyday staples into something that tastes like a celebration. Each ingredient here plays a pivotal role, whether it’s bringing smoky spice, creamy richness, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll want every bit of it in your dish.

Cooked shredded chicken: Perfect for soaking up all the fajita flavors; rotisserie chicken works great for speed and convenience.
Red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and a gorgeous burst of color that makes this casserole irresistible.
Green bell pepper: Brings earthy, robust flavor for a classic Tex-Mex foundation.
Yellow bell pepper: Adds a mellow, sunny note and softens beautifully in the bake.
Red onion: Delivers a gentle bite and turns meltingly tender in the oven.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy goodness and forms a gooey, golden top.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Known for its mild flavor and silky melting, it pairs perfectly with cheddar.
Sour cream: Gives tang and richness, making every forkful creamy and luscious.
Cream cheese (softened): Ensures the filling is velvety smooth and decadently thick.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Pops of zesty tomato with the right hint of spice—don’t skip these!
Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies until they’re just tender-crisp and full of flavor.
Fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning): The essential Tex-Mex spice blend that makes everything pop.
Salt and pepper to taste: Bring all those flavors into focus.
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): The ultimate finishing touch for a fresh, herbal lift.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole

Step 1: Get the Oven and Dish Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F—it’s the sweet spot for bubbling, melty casseroles. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and every cheesy edge comes out perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add all your sliced bell peppers and onion, letting them sizzle and soften for 5 to 6 minutes. You want them tender but still vibrant. Season with salt, pepper, and half of your fajita seasoning here—the aromas will make your kitchen smell downright irresistible.

Step 3: Mix Up the Filling

In a big mixing bowl, bring together your shredded chicken, the sautéed veggies, cream cheese, sour cream, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the rest of your fajita seasoning. Stir until everything is beautifully combined, coating every piece with that rich, creamy, spiced-up base.

Step 4: Spread, Top, and Bake

Spoon the creamy fajita mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses all over the top—this makes the signature cheesy crust that takes Chicken Fajita Casserole over the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole sit for at least 5 minutes after baking. This gives everything a chance to set and makes serving even easier. If you want to add a fresh, lively note, scatter chopped cilantro over the top just before taking it to the table.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings a garden-fresh brightness that cuts through the richness. If you love a bit more heat, add diced jalapenos or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. A dollop of sour cream or some sliced green onions make it pop with extra color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Chicken Fajita Casserole is super satisfying on its own, but you can stretch it into a full meal with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a crunchy green salad. For something truly Tex-Mex, whip up a side of black beans or add corn on the cob.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the casserole filling into warm tortillas for fajita tacos, or use it as a delicious topping over baked potatoes. You can even layer it atop tortilla chips for an epic nacho platter everyone will rave about on game night or at potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Fajita Casserole keeps beautifully. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It’ll stay tasty for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making lunch or a second dinner a total breeze.

Freezing

Want to stash away a batch for another busy night? Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it well or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your serving with foil and place in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. For a single portion, the microwave works in a pinch—just heat in minute-long bursts, stirring in between, to keep the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Fajita Casserole with other meats?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey, cooked steak strips, or even rotisserie pork work beautifully in place of chicken. Just be sure to keep the quantities about the same for the perfect casserole consistency.

Is this casserole spicy?

The heat level depends on your fajita seasoning and the type Main Course. You can always use mild tomatoes or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste for a mild or super-spicy result.

Can I add in extra vegetables?

Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, corn, or black beans make delicious additions. Just sauté extra veggies with the peppers and onions as you go.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything except the cheese topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, add the cheese and pop it in the oven—dinner will be bubbling in no time.

What’s the best way to transport Chicken Fajita Casserole to a potluck?

Bake the casserole in a sturdy, lidded dish. Wrap it in a towel for insulation and bring garnishes on the side. It should stay warm for about an hour, and it’s guaranteed to be a potluck favorite!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s big on flavor and convenience, you truly can’t go wrong with Chicken Fajita Casserole. It’s cozy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Gather your ingredients, assemble your casserole, and let the oven do its magic—you’re only minutes away from a plateful of pure happiness!

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines all the delicious elements of traditional fajitas in a convenient baked form. With tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, a creamy cheese blend, and zesty seasonings, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

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Chicken Fajita Casserole:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the bell peppers and onion in olive oil until tender-crisp, about 5–6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the fajita seasoning.
Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, cream cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and remaining fajita seasoning. Mix well.
Prepare casserole: Spread the mixture into the baking dish, top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly, then let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.