If you love the vibrant flavors of fajitas but want something a little more comforting and easy to share, this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It takes the classic combination of tender, seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheeses, then bakes it all together to create a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Expect a delicious fusion of smoky spices, creamy textures, and fresh herbs that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that come together flawlessly. Each component not only adds flavor but also brings texture and color to the final dish, ensuring it’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly sautéing the chicken and veggies without sticking.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin): Delivers tender, juicy protein that soaks up the spices beautifully.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red hue.
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced): Brings fresh, slightly tangy flavor and bright green color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced): Offers a mild sweetness and sunny yellow tone.
- 1 medium onion (sliced): Provides natural sweetness that balances the spices.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: The heart of the fajita flavor—spicy, smoky, and inviting.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth to deepen the taste.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Boosts smoky notes with a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory punch without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings creamy tang that softens the spices.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates rich creaminess and depth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a golden melt.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly for luscious texture.
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish: Refreshes and brightens every bite.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook them until they’re beautifully browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step locks in the chicken’s juiciness and builds the savory base for your casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the chicken and set it aside for a moment. In the same skillet, toss in your colorful bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté these until they become tender and just starting to caramelize, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This adds a delightful sweetness and soft crunch to your dish.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so that the spices evenly coat the chicken and veggies with that bold, smoky fajita flavor. Once mixed, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This luscious blend will marry the spices and chicken mixture into a cohesive and decadent filling for your casserole.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Fold the chicken and vegetable mixture into the creamy blend, ensuring each bite will be loaded with flavor and moisture. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top. Bake in your preheated 375°F oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
After pulling the casserole from the oven, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over the top. The bright, herbaceous notes from cilantro perfectly balance the creamy, smoky flavors and add a vibrant pop of green that makes your dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole is incredibly versatile, but it shines when paired with fresh tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette or a serving of Mexican rice can round out the meal beautifully, adding freshness and more textures to your feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins to create personalized portions that feel gourmet. Alternatively, layer the casserole filling between tortillas for a quick fajita-style bake. You can even turn this into a hearty dip by baking it in a shallow dish and serving it with assorted dippers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a while, making your leftovers just as tasty as the original meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep this casserole ready for a busy night, it freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave until warm and bubbly, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating can bring back some freshness and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap sour cream and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or vegan cream cheese, and use a dairy-free shredded cheese. The creamy texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to the Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or corn kernels to boost the vegetable content and add new flavors and textures to the dish.
What can I serve if I want to keep this meal low-carb?
Stick with simple greens or cauliflower rice on the side, and enjoy the casserole as a hearty main. Avoid adding rice or beans inside the casserole to maintain a lower carb count.
How spicy is this casserole, and can I adjust the heat?
The spice level is moderate with warmth from chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder for extra kick or omitting it for milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comfort and crowd-pleasing appeal of this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe. It’s an effortless way to bring bold Mexican-American flavors into your home without any fuss, packed with colorful vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy cheese. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites to turn to for a tasty, satisfying dinner. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner combining tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and savory spices baked to perfection with creamy cheeses. Featuring a rich blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this Mexican-American inspired casserole offers the comforting flavors of classic fajitas in a convenient baked dish that’s both gluten-free and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Spices and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to fully coat the mixture. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Creamy Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the chicken and vegetable mixture into the bowl with sour cream and cream cheese. Stir everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dish.
- Add a can of black beans or cooked rice to make it even heartier.
- Serve with tortillas or tortilla chips for an authentic fajita experience.
