Fajita Chicken Casserole combines the vibrant flavors of traditional chicken fajitas into a convenient, oven-baked dish. This casserole features tender chicken pieces, a medley of colorful bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices, all topped with melted cheese. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a hearty meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simplified Cooking: Enjoy the classic taste of fajitas without the need for stovetop cooking; everything comes together in one baking dish.
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Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese creates a rich and comforting meal.Key To My Lime
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Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead meals.Southern Living+1Seeking Good Eats+1
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 packet (1 ounce) fajita seasoning mix
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheeseJar Of Lemons+10Southern Bite+10Allrecipes+10
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
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Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the fajita seasoning mix and olive oil. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
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Assemble the Casserole: Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers, along with the sliced onion, over the chicken. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
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Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
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Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
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Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
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Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes.
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Total Time: Around 50-55 minutes.
Variations
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Add Rice: Incorporate cooked rice into the casserole for a more filling dish.
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Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
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Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
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Vegetable Additions: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to enhance the nutritional profile and taste.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s cooled completely before wrapping tightly and placing in the freezer.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply mix the cooked chicken with the seasoning and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, Mexican rice, or warm tortillas.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or use a spicier cheese variety like pepper jack.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft?
To maintain some crunch in the vegetables, consider sautéing them briefly before adding to the casserole or reducing the initial covered baking time by 5 minutes.
What other proteins can I use in this casserole?
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef strips, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I use homemade fajita seasoning?
Absolutely, homemade fajita seasoning allows you to control the flavors and adjust
Print
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spice up your dinner routine with this Fajita Chicken Casserole – a bold, Tex-Mex-inspired dish loaded with seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onions, all baked together in cheesy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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Optional: chopped cilantro, sour cream, or avocado for topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with fajita seasoning and olive oil until well coated.
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Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Layer the sliced bell peppers and onions over the chicken.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with your favorite toppings or over rice, tortillas, or lettuce.
Notes
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Swap chicken for beef or shrimp to mix things up.
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Add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
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Great for leftovers and meal prep—store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking