Chicken Fajita Casserole

Imagine the sizzling sound of peppers and onions hitting a hot skillet, the aromatic blend of Mexican spices wafting through your kitchen, and the irresistible sight of melted cheese bubbling to golden perfection. That’s the sensory experience awaiting you with this delectable Chicken Fajita Casserole. This family-friendly dish transforms the beloved handheld fajita into a comforting, scoop-able casserole that delivers all the flavor with half the effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this Chicken Fajita Casserole combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and authentic seasonings in one convenient baking dish. You’ll learn how to layer these ingredients for maximum flavor and discover pro tips for achieving the perfect balance of textures in this crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is destined to become your new go-to dinner solution for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly convenient—all the vibrant flavors of chicken fajitas without the assembly line of tortillas, toppings, and fillings. The casserole format means everything cooks together, allowing the ingredients to meld into a harmonious blend of savory goodness.

You’ll appreciate the delightful textural contrasts—tender, juicy chicken chunks nestled among slightly charred bell peppers and onions, all bound together with creamy melted cheese and punctuated by the occasional crunch of tortilla chips. The combination creates a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite.

For busy households, this Chicken Fajita Bake is a time-saver that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when needed, or enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day as the spices continue to develop. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—adjust the heat level, add your favorite Tex-Mex ingredients, or adapt it to dietary preferences while maintaining that authentic fajita flavor profile everyone craves.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Chicken Fajita Casserole, gather:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), sliced into thin strips
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (16g) fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (3g) ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon (1.5g) smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper
• 1 can (10oz/285g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 8oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
• 2 cups (225g) Mexican-blend shredded cheese
• ½ cup (20g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice (approximately 1 lime)
• 12 small flour tortillas, cut into quarters (or 4 cups tortilla chips)

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Chicken Fajita Casserole requires attention to a few critical techniques. First, don’t skip the pre-searing step for your chicken and vegetables. While it might seem tempting to throw everything raw into the casserole dish, taking 5-7 minutes to quickly sear the chicken strips and vegetables creates those signature charred edges and caramelized flavors that define authentic fajitas. This simple step prevents the casserole from becoming soggy and infuses the entire dish with that distinctive fajita character.

Temperature management is crucial for this dish. Start with room temperature cream cheese to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. When baking, cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes to trap moisture, then remove it to allow the top to develop a beautiful golden crust without drying out the chicken.

Finally, layering technique matters significantly. Create distinct layers rather than mixing everything together—start with a base of tortillas, add the chicken and vegetable mixture, then pour over the creamy element before topping with cheese. This strategic layering ensures that each serving includes the perfect balance of components and prevents the tortillas from becoming overly soggy during baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish with cooking spray. Take a moment to organize your prepped ingredients for a smoother cooking experience. Having everything ready will make the assembly process much more enjoyable!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season your chicken strips with half of the fajita seasoning, tossing to coat evenly. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink and slightly browned on the edges. Transfer to a plate and set aside. This quick cooking preserves the juiciness while developing flavor through light browning.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions, sprinkling with the remaining fajita seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables have softened slightly but still maintain some crispness. You’re looking for that signature fajita char on some edges!

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Element

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, drained diced tomatoes with chilies, lime juice, and half of the chopped cilantro. This creates the luscious binding that brings everything together with bright, zesty notes.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Line the bottom of your prepared baking dish with half of the tortilla quarters, overlapping slightly. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the tortillas. Top with half of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with the remaining shredded cheese sprinkled evenly across the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the casserole is heated through. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—this resting period is crucial for the layers to set and flavors to meld perfectly.

Variations

Transform this versatile Chicken Fajita Casserole to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences with these popular variations:

For a low-carb adaptation, replace the tortillas with a layer of cauliflower rice mixed with a beaten egg to create a binding “crust.” This keto-friendly version delivers all the fajita flavors while significantly reducing the carbohydrate content. The cauliflower adds a subtle vegetable sweetness that complements the bold Mexican seasonings.

Create a vegetarian fajita casserole by substituting the chicken with portobello mushrooms and black beans. Slice the mushrooms into strips and sauté them just as you would the chicken, allowing them to release their moisture and concentrate their umami flavor. The black beans add protein and a satisfying heartiness that makes this meatless version equally filling.

For those who enjoy heat, craft a spicy Chicken Fajita Casserole by incorporating sliced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend. The layered heat sources build a complex spice profile that true heat-seekers will appreciate, while the creamy elements still provide cooling balance.

Storage and Serving

Your Chicken Fajita Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making next-day portions particularly delicious. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Serve this vibrant casserole with a dollop of fresh guacamole and a sprinkle of extra cilantro for brightness. The cool, creamy avocado provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced casserole. For a complete Tex-Mex feast, pair with a simple side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette, allowing the acidic notes to cut through the richness of the dish.

For casual entertaining, create a fajita casserole bar with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced red onions, fresh pico de gallo, and lime wedges. This interactive serving suggestion allows guests to customize their portions while maintaining the convenience of a one-dish main course.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this Chicken Fajita Casserole and saves time. Simply season the shredded chicken with half the fajita seasoning and a splash of lime juice before adding it to your casserole layers.

How can I prevent my casserole from becoming watery?
Ensure you drain the canned tomatoes thoroughly and don’t skip the pre-searing of vegetables, which helps them release moisture before baking. If your peppers and onions are particularly juicy, you can sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into the vegetable mixture while sautéing to absorb excess liquid.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Chicken Fajita Casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare through assembly, but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep refrigerated and covered, then bake as directed when ready to serve, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.

What’s the best way to reheat individual portions?
For the best texture when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. While microwave reheating works in a pinch (2-3 minutes on medium power), the oven method helps maintain the textural contrasts that make this Chicken Fajita Casserole so satisfying.

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