It’s impossible not to fall in love with this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe: it’s absolutely bursting with bold, zesty fajita flavors and gooey cheese, all packed into one easy, family-friendly casserole. Think perfectly cooked chicken, colorful peppers, a creamy sauce, and a decadent layer of bubbling cheese—you get all the magic of traditional fajitas but in the ultimate comfort food form. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a cozy potluck with friends, this chicken casserole always disappears fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how these simple, everyday ingredients team up to create something rich, creamy, and impossible to resist. Each one adds a special twist—some for spicy kick, others for vibrant color, and, of course, lots to make that signature cheesy melt.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or cubed chicken gives the casserole hearty texture and soaks up all those delicious fajita flavors.
- Bell peppers: Any color will do; they bring crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Medium onion: Sliced onions add classic fajita flavor and aroma when sautéed with peppers.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: This ingredient is a shortcut to tang and spice without extra work.
- Fajita seasoning packet: Super convenient and perfectly balanced for that signature fajita taste.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess to hold everything together—Greek yogurt works for a lighter feel.
- Cream cheese (softened): This makes your casserole rich, cheesy, and extra velvety.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully on top for the ultimate golden-bubbly finish.
- Olive oil: Just enough for sautéing your veggies until they’re flavor-packed and tender.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste and pull all the ingredients together.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges (optional): For a fresh pop of herby flavor and brightness at the end.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step guarantees nothing sticks and every slice comes out picture perfect. Prepping now means you can slide the casserole into the oven as soon as you’ve mixed everything together!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and bring it to medium heat. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion, letting them sizzle away for about five minutes. They should be just tender, with a little bit of bite for fabulous fajita texture and taste.
Step 3: Mix it Up
In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, freshly sautéed veggies, canned tomatoes with chilies, fajita seasoning, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir until everything’s creamy and evenly blended—this is the soul of your Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy chicken and veggie mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. The final magic is a generous sprinkle of shredded Mexican blend cheese on top for that glorious melted finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. When you see golden, bubbly cheese and a mouthwatering aroma fills your kitchen, you know it’s ready to pull from the oven!
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Let your fresh garnishes do double duty by adding both flavor and color. Sprinkle bright chopped cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges—each bite will pop with freshness and a hint of citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is a superstar on its own, but when served alongside fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp green salad, you’ll have a complete Mexican-inspired feast for the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not spoon the casserole into taco shells for a playful handheld twist? Or scoop generous helpings over a bed of greens for a fajita salad bowl. For parties, portion individual servings into ramekins—easy and crowd-pleasing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld and get even better, making lunch or next-day dinner a treat.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe dish. It’ll keep its creamy, cheesy goodness for up to three months—just label and date for easy meal planning!
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or zap a single serving in the microwave. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating to keep things gooey and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds even more flavor to the casserole.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check that your fajita seasoning is safe.
Can I make it ahead for busy nights?
You bet! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
What’s the best way to make it lighter?
Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream and choose reduced-fat cream cheese. You’ll still get all the creamy goodness with fewer calories!
How do I make it spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a fiery kick, or choose a spicier fajita seasoning mix.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this cozy, crave-worthy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether you’re serving friends or just treating yourself to a hearty weeknight meal, this cheesy, zesty casserole is always a slam dunk. Give it a whirl in your kitchen and get ready to watch everyone come back for seconds—there’s just no resisting this one!
Print
Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of fajitas in a comforting casserole form. Packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 2 bell peppers (sliced, any color)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning
- ½ cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion until just tender, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes with chilies, fajita seasoning, sour cream, and cream cheese. Stir until creamy.
- Bake Casserole: Spread the mixture into the baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- This casserole pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a simple green salad.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
