Short Description

Fajita Chicken Casserole is a bold, Tex-Mex-inspired comfort dish featuring shredded chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, rice, and a blend of cheeses all baked into a creamy, zesty casserole. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that delivers all the flavor of fajitas with the ease of a one-pan bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor: Fajita seasoning, salsa, and sautéed vegetables bring rich, spicy, and savory notes.
One-Pan Simplicity: All the ingredients combine in a single dish for minimal cleanup.
Creamy and Cheesy: Sour cream and two types of cheese make the casserole ultra-creamy and satisfying.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for next-day meals.
Customizable: Easily adapted with your favorite fajita toppings or additions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and lightly caramelized.
Mix the Casserole Base:
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, fajita seasoning, sour cream, salsa, sautéed vegetables, and half of both cheeses. Mix until everything is well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Serve:
Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair with tortilla chips or a crisp side salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 400–450 per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice.
Add Beans: Mix in black beans or pinto beans for added protein and texture.
Cheese Swap: Use Pepper Jack for extra spice or a Mexican cheese blend.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with cooked lentils or sautéed mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and adds even more flavor with less prep time.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Is there a substitute for fajita seasoning?

You can mix 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and salt to taste.

What type of rice is best?

White or brown rice both work well. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing.

Can I make it without rice?

Yes, omit the rice and add extra vegetables or beans to maintain volume.

What salsa should I use?

Use your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa—mild, medium, or hot, based on your spice preference.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the mixture.

Can I use frozen peppers and onions?

Yes, thaw and drain them before sautéing to prevent excess moisture.

What toppings go well with this casserole?

Try avocado slices, chopped green onions, crushed tortilla chips, or lime wedges.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.

Conclusion

Fajita Chicken Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that brings together everything you love about fajitas in an easy baked dish. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your rotation—satisfying, simple, and bursting with Tex-Mex flair.

Fajita Chicken Casserole

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Fajita Chicken Casserole combines all the bold flavors of classic fajitas into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying baked dish. With seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, rice, and two types of cheese, it’s a comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with a Tex-Mex twist.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sauté Veggies: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced bell pepper and onion until tender (about 5 minutes).
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked rice, fajita seasoning, sour cream, salsa, sautéed veggies, and half of the shredded cheeses.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips or a fresh salad.

Notes

Great for using up leftover chicken or rice.
Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce.
Can be made ahead and baked later—perfect for meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American