Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe For Zesty Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering fajita chicken casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and zesty spices promise a culinary adventure.

Weeknight meals often demand quick solutions that don’t sacrifice flavor.

Southwestern-inspired dishes like this casserole blend convenience with bold, exciting tastes.

Each bite carries the warmth of authentic mexican seasonings and hearty ingredients.

Melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible topping that makes you want to dive right in.

Savor this delicious meal that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Why Fajita Chicken Casserole Is A Bold Choice

  • Unpack Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty fajita seasoning and a perfect blend of cheeses, this casserole delivers mouth-watering Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan preparation and straightforward ingredients make this recipe super quick to assemble, perfect for busy families craving delicious meals without complicated steps.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable recipe allows easy swaps with protein choices like beef or turkey, and you can adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Combines familiar chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Fajita Chicken Casserole Ingredient Rundown

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides the primary substance for this hearty casserole.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add flavor, color, and nutritional value to the dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Fajita Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the casserole its signature Mexican-inspired taste.
Dairy and Moisture Components:
  • Sour Cream, Chicken Broth: Ingredients that create a creamy, rich sauce and help keep the casserole moist.
Cheese Topping:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a golden, gooey top layer and extra richness.
Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh herb that adds a final touch of flavor to the finished dish.

How To Make Fajita Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks perfectly.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook them until they’re beautifully golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetables

Introduce the following ingredients to the skillet:
  • Sliced onions
  • Bell peppers

Cook these veggies alongside the chicken for 4-5 minutes until they become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Season Like a Pro

Sprinkle fajita seasoning generously over the chicken and vegetables.

Stir everything around to make sure each piece gets coated with those amazing flavors.

Step 5: Create a Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth

Mix until the sauce is smooth and silky.

Pour this creamy goodness over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to blend everything perfectly.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish.

Shower the top with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top. Serve this mouthwatering casserole piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips To Spice Up Fajita Chicken Casserole

  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor profile.
  • Dial down heat by using mild fajita seasoning or reducing spice quantity for sensitive palates.
  • Prep vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout casserole.
  • Make dairy-free version by replacing sour cream with coconut cream and using vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Boost protein content by adding black beans or quinoa directly into the casserole mixture before baking.

Fajita Chicken Casserole Variations To Try

  • Southwestern Skillet Swap: Replace chicken with ground beef or turkey for a hearty protein alternative, adding a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Verde Version: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted corn, and extra bell peppers, using vegetable broth for a plant-based meal that maintains the original recipe's spicy essence.
  • Spicy Seafood Spin: Swap chicken for shrimp or white fish, incorporating cajun seasoning and adding a splash of lime juice for a coastal-inspired casserole.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Creation: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the rich, savory fajita flavors intact.

What Pairs Well With Fajita Chicken Casserole

  • Pair Bold Margaritas: Zesty lime margaritas complement the spicy chicken fajita flavors, cutting through the richness with a tangy citrus punch.
  • Create Mexican Beer Magic: Crisp Corona or Modelo Especial beer balances the casserole's bold spices, offering a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, savory dish.
  • Serve Fresh Salsa Sides: Chunky pico de gallo or bright salsa verde adds vibrant freshness, helping to cut through the creamy, cheesy casserole textures and enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Match Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc with its herbal notes and bright acidity provides a perfect counterpoint to the rich, spicy chicken fajita casserole.

How To Store Fajita Chicken Casserole Safely

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Place cooled casserole in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Microwave: Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

Fajita Chicken Casserole Questions Covered

  • What ingredients give this fajita chicken casserole its signature flavor?

The fajita seasoning and combination of onions, bell peppers, and two types of cheese create the bold, zesty flavor profile that makes this dish delicious.

  • Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with beef or shrimp while keeping the same cooking method and seasonings for a similar result.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

This casserole offers a balanced meal with protein from chicken, vegetables for nutrients, and moderate cheese content, making it a reasonably nutritious dinner option.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this casserole?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic skillet and oven skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.

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Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe

Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling fajita chicken casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Layers of spicy chicken, melted cheese, and zesty peppers create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 large bell pepper, sliced (any color)

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole’s transformation.
  2. Sizzle chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden exterior and sealing in robust flavors for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Introduce sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, allowing them to soften and meld with the chicken’s savory essence for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Dust the skillet contents with fajita seasoning, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with zesty spices.
  5. Create a silky sauce by whisking sour cream and chicken broth until completely smooth and integrated.
  6. Pour the creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken and vegetables, gently stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
  7. Transition the mixture into a baking dish, creating a rustic canvas for the upcoming cheesy layer.
  8. Sprinkle a generous blanket of shredded cheddar and mozzarella across the surface, promising a golden, melted finish.
  9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, irresistible topping.
  10. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, herbaceous flourish before serving piping hot.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting fajita seasoning or using mild/spicy variants to suit different taste preferences.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version, ensuring similar cooking times and seasoning.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Use low-fat cheese options or dairy-free alternatives for healthier or lactose-intolerant dietary needs without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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