Fajita Chicken Casserole 🍗🧀🌶️ – Cheesy Baked Comfort with Bold Mexican Flavors
If you love the smoky, zesty taste of chicken fajitas but don’t feel like standing over the stove flipping every strip, this Fajita Chicken Casserole is your new favorite dinner!
This baked version layers tender strips of seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and a creamy cheese sauce into a bubbly, golden-baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. It’s topped with two kinds of melted cheese, then finished with a splash of lime and fresh cilantro for that signature fajita flair.
Let’s dive into how to make this flavor-packed comfort dish!
🌮 Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- One-pan magic : Easy cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Cheesy goodness : Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt into a rich, creamy sauce.
- Bold fajita flavor : Smoky spices, peppers, and onions deliver authentic taste.
- Great for sharing : Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
- Customizable : Add jalapeños, avocado, or sour cream for extra kick.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the casserole:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper , sliced
- 1 green bell pepper , sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper , sliced
- 1 medium onion , sliced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional garnish : jalapeño slices
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring tools
- Aluminum foil (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
- Heat olive oil until shimmering.
- Add chicken breast strips and cook for 6–7 minutes , stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet:
- Add a bit more oil if needed.
- Toss in sliced bell peppers and onion .
- Cook for 4–5 minutes , stirring often, until softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Add chili powder , cumin , paprika , garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and black pepper .
Stir well to evenly coat everything in the warm, smoky spice blend.
Step 5: Mix in Sour Cream & Half the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat.
Stir in sour cream until everything is coated and creamy.
Fold in ½ cup of the cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese .
Mix until just combined — no need to overwork it!
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish , spreading it out evenly.
Top generously with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses .
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes , or until the top is golden, bubbly, and lightly browned around the edges.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Before serving:
- Drizzle with fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Top with jalapeño slices if you like a little heat.
Serve warm and enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- With warm flour tortillas on the side for DIY wraps.
- Alongside a simple black bean salad or corn salsa .
- Topped with avocado slices or guacamole for creaminess.
- Try it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream .
- Pair with a cold drink like horchata or limeade .
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole in individual portions for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a skillet for best texture.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use pre-sliced peppers and onions to save time — frozen works too!
- Don’t skip the lime juice — it brightens up the whole dish.
- Want extra heat? Add a few drops of hot sauce or diced serrano peppers .
- Make it vegetarian : Swap chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegan cheese.
- For a crunchy topping , sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs before baking.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
This casserole offers a balanced mix of nutrients:
- Chicken provides lean protein for muscle repair and energy.
- Bell peppers and onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Cheese and sour cream offer calcium and healthy fats in moderation.
- Spices like cumin and paprika support digestion and metabolism.
- Enjoy as part of a balanced lifestyle — especially when paired with greens or beans.
📝 Final Thoughts
The Fajita Chicken Casserole proves that you can take the best parts of a classic dish and turn them into something even better — without losing any of the flavor or soul.
With its bold seasoning, vibrant veggies, and dreamy cheese topping, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of Mexican-inspired joy to your dinner table.
Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or bringing something special to a potluck, this recipe delivers big on taste and satisfaction.
So grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and get ready to bake your way to fajita heaven!
