Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Sizzling, aromatic, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe transforms the classic hand-held fajita into a comforting, family-style dish. The tender strips of seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions meld together under a blanket of melted cheese, creating a fiesta of flavors in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this casserole delivers all the excitement of fajitas without the fuss of individual assembly. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort while maximizing authentic fajita flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is bound to become a family favorite for numerous reasons. First, it offers incredible convenience – all the flavors of traditional fajitas without the need to serve immediately or assemble individual portions. The contrast between the tender, juicy chicken and the slight crunch of the peppers creates a delightful textural experience in every forkful.

The casserole format allows the ingredients to mingle and develop deeper flavors as they bake together. You’ll appreciate how the spices infuse throughout the dish, creating consistent flavor in every bite. Unlike traditional fajitas that cool quickly, this casserole stays warm throughout your meal.

For busy home cooks, this recipe offers make-ahead flexibility. You can prepare it earlier in the day and simply bake when ready to eat. The versatility also makes this easy fajita bake perfect for meal prep – it reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week. Best of all, it’s a complete, nutritious meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup while maximizing satisfaction.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Chicken Fajita Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), julienned (about 3 cups)
• 1 large white or red onion, thinly sliced (about 1½ cups)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons (16g) fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 can (10 oz/283g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 2 cups (8 oz/226g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• ¼ cup (4g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 8-10 flour tortillas (6-inch/15cm), cut into quarters

The quality of your fajita seasoning significantly impacts the final flavor, so consider making your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Pro Tips

Balance the Heat Level: The beauty of this Chicken Fajita Casserole lies in its customizable heat level. For a family-friendly version, use mild diced tomatoes with chilies and standard fajita seasoning. If you prefer more heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or substitute with a hotter chili variety. Remember, the heat intensifies as the casserole bakes, so start conservatively.

Achieve Perfect Chicken Texture: To ensure your chicken remains juicy rather than rubbery, don’t fully cook it during the initial sauté. The chicken should be just opaque on the outside but still slightly pink inside before adding it to the casserole dish. It will finish cooking perfectly during baking. This two-stage cooking method prevents the dried-out chicken that often plagues casseroles.

Layer for Flavor Development: Create distinct layers when assembling your fajita bake for the best flavor distribution. Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, followed by tortillas, then the chicken and vegetable mixture, and finally cheese. Repeat these layers, ensuring you end with cheese on top. This layering technique allows the flavors to meld while maintaining the integrity of each ingredient, resulting in a more complex and satisfying dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the fajita seasoning, minced garlic, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to create a marinade. Place the sliced chicken in a large bowl, pour half of this marinade over it, and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until the outside is opaque but not fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven, keeping it tender and juicy in your Chicken Fajita Casserole.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Pour the remaining marinade over the vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness. The slight char on the edges will enhance the authentic fajita flavor in your casserole.

Step 4: Combine and Layer
In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and sour cream until combined. Spread a thin layer of this sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer a third of the cut tortillas over the sauce, then add half of the chicken, vegetables, and a third of the cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining chicken and vegetables, another third of the cheese, and the remaining tortillas. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of your Chicken Fajita Casserole and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with additional sour cream if desired.

Variations

Vegetarian Fajita Casserole: Transform this Chicken Fajita Casserole into a meatless marvel by substituting the chicken with 2 cans (15 oz each) of black beans (drained and rinsed) and 1 cup of corn kernels. The beans provide protein while maintaining the hearty texture of the dish. You can also add 1 cup of diced zucchini or yellow squash to enhance the vegetable content. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it completely vegetarian.

Low-Carb Fajita Casserole: For a keto-friendly or low-carb version, simply omit the tortillas and create a delicious fajita-inspired bake. Increase the chicken to 2.5 pounds and add an extra bell pepper. Layer the ingredients as directed but without the tortillas. Consider adding 1 cup of riced cauliflower to the vegetable mixture for additional texture without the carbs. The result is a cheesy, protein-packed fajita bake that satisfies without the added carbohydrates.

Creamy Salsa Verde Fajita Casserole: Create an exciting twist by replacing the tomatoes with green chilies with a 16 oz jar of salsa verde. Mix 4 oz of cream cheese into the chicken broth and sour cream mixture for an extra creamy texture. This variation gives your Chicken Fajita Casserole a tangy, slightly tart flavor profile that works beautifully with the traditional fajita seasonings.

Storage and Serving

This Chicken Fajita Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top after reheating to refresh the dish.

Serve this vibrant casserole with a variety of complementary sides and toppings. Create a build-your-own fajita bar with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, extra sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges. For a complete meal, pair with Mexican rice, a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, or refried beans. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of crisp lettuce to create a fajita taco salad experience.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works great in this Chicken Fajita Casserole. Simply shred or dice about 4 cups of cooked chicken and toss with half of the marinade before adding to the casserole. Skip the chicken cooking step and proceed with sautéing the vegetables.

How can I make this casserole spicier?
To increase the heat, add 1-2 diced jalapeños (with seeds for extra heat) to the bell pepper mixture. You can also mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning or use pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and verify that your fajita seasoning is gluten-free. Most store-bought versions contain wheat-based fillers, so check labels carefully or make your own spice blend.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy casserole?
To ensure your Chicken Fajita Casserole has the perfect texture, drain the diced tomatoes well before adding them. Also, make sure to sauté the vegetables only until crisp-tender, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Lastly, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to let the layers settle and excess moisture absorb.

Conclusion

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the excitement of sizzling fajitas to your table in a convenient, shareable form. It’s the kind of dish that solves the weeknight dinner dilemma while still feeling special enough for entertaining. The layers of seasoned chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that delivers on both nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this fajita bake delivers every time with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.

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