Sizzling Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe: Fiesta In One Dish

Every home cook dreams of a hearty chicken fajita casserole that combines zesty Mexican flavors with comforting baked goodness.

Peppers and onions dance alongside tender chicken pieces in this mouthwatering dish.

Cheese melts into golden pools across the top, creating an irresistible layer of deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive meal.

Spices blend perfectly to create a robust flavor profile that’ll make you feel like a culinary champion.

Grab a skillet and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast that everyone at the table will devour with excitement.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future delicious adventures.

Chicken Fajita Casserole That Delivers on Flavor Fast

• Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinner: A one-pan wonder that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed meal in under 30 minutes. This casserole eliminates multiple cooking steps, letting you toss ingredients together effortlessly.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: No complicated techniques required. Simply season chicken, layer ingredients, and let the oven do the work. Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Customizable dish that appeals to both adults and kids. Mild seasoning can be adjusted for heat preferences, and the cheesy top makes it irresistible. Serves multiple people with minimal cleanup.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy straight from the dish, wrapped in warm tortillas, or served over fluffy rice. Adaptable for different dietary needs and preferences, making it a flexible meal solution for various occasions.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredients

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that absorbs fajita seasoning and creates the main protein layer, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Fajita Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spice mixture that provides bold southwestern flavor, select fresh ground spices for maximum taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and adds moisture to chicken.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture, select fresh crisp peppers in various colors.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Adds moisture and zesty flavor with mild green chilies.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth sauce that binds ingredients together, use full-fat versions for best consistency.

• Mexican Cheese Blend, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, stretchy topping with complementary cheese flavors, select freshly shredded for best melting.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright finish and traditional Mexican accent, chop just before serving.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Space

Set your oven to roast at 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Grab your chicken strips and transform them with a flavor explosion.

• Fajita seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Make sure each strip is completely coated in the spicy mixture.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Spread the seasoned chicken across the bottom of the baking dish in an even, mouth-watering layer.

Step 4: Add the Vegetable Medley

• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Rotel tomatoes

These will add incredible texture and fresh flavors to the casserole.

Step 5: Pour the Creamy Sauce

Whisk together sour cream and heavy cream in a small bowl.

Drizzle this luxurious sauce evenly across the entire casserole.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Mexican cheese blend
• Mozzarella cheese

Make sure every inch gets covered for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 8: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Pull the casserole from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the top for a bright, herbal note.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this sizzling casserole hot.

Enjoy it over fluffy rice, wrapped in warm tortillas, or straight from the dish.

Dinner is served!

Chicken Fajita Casserole – Bake Tips

• Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on heat tolerance, starting with a pinch for mild flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Swap bell peppers with zucchini or swap onions with green onions for different flavor profiles and nutrition boosts.
• Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based shreds for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shredded jackfruit, or plant-based chicken for vegetarian and vegan versions of the casserole.
• Marinate chicken in fajita seasoning overnight to enhance flavor depth and reduce day-of cooking preparation time.

Keep Chicken Fajita Casserole for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, where it will last up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Warm refrigerated portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Quickly heat individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and preserve texture.

Meals to Serve With Fajita Casserole

• Boost Zesty Margarita Pairing: Tequila-based margaritas perfectly complement the spicy, tangy flavors of the chicken fajita casserole, with lime and salt cutting through the rich, creamy cheese.
• Create Cool Avocado Salsa Side: Fresh avocado salsa with diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro adds a bright, cool contrast to the warm, spicy casserole, balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Serve Crisp Mexican Lager Match: Light Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo Especial provide a refreshing, crisp counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy casserole, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Select Zinfandel Wine Option: A fruity, bold Zinfandel wine offers a robust red with enough complexity to stand up to the spicy, robust casserole, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Serving Variants

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice or tortillas with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining delicious fajita flavors.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute chicken with black beans or tofu, using the same spice blend to create a protein-packed meatless casserole that keeps the original recipe's zesty profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and heavy cream, and replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free tortillas or over cauliflower rice to accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the fajita seasoning and optional cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount of cayenne or use a mild seasoning blend for less spice.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes?

Use diced tomatoes with green chiles, or mix regular diced tomatoes with a small can of diced green chiles for a similar flavor profile.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling flavors of chicken fajita casserole dance across your plate with Tex-Mex excitement. Cheesy layers and bold spices create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 packet fajita seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade fajita seasoning)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Dairy and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
2. Create a flavor-packed marinade by combining fajita seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl.
3. Thoroughly coat chicken strips with the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly distributed and well-seasoned.
4. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a uniform layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Strategically distribute colorful bell peppers, diced onions, and zesty Rotel tomatoes over the chicken layer.
6. Craft a creamy sauce by whisking together sour cream and heavy cream until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Gently drizzle the cream mixture across the vegetable and chicken landscape, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
8. Generously blanket the casserole with a combination of shredded Mexican and mozzarella cheeses, creating an enticing golden topping.
9. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust and chicken reaches complete doneness.
10. Extract the casserole from the oven and enhance its visual appeal by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro across the surface.
11. Serve immediately, offering versatile serving options such as accompanying rice, tucking into warm tortillas, or enjoying as a standalone dish.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper based on heat tolerance for a personalized spice level that won’t overwhelm taste buds.
• Slice chicken and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly alternatives that maintain creamy richness.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg