If you’re craving a comforting dinner with all the bold flavors of fajitas, this Fajita Chicken Casserole is your answer. This dish brings together tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and creamy melted cheese in one irresistible bake. It’s an easy, one-pan recipe that captures the essence of fajitas—minus the fuss of cooking everything separately. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners, it’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. I’ve made this dish countless times, and it never disappoints. Once, I swapped regular sour cream for Greek yogurt—it turned out just as creamy but with a tangier touch. Serve it over rice, in tortillas, or enjoy it as-is for a comforting low-carb meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a staple at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is everything you love about classic fajitas—savory chicken, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese—all layered into one easy-to-bake dish. It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for making ahead. Plus, cleanup is minimal, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Fajita Chicken Casserole – A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Fajita Chicken Casserole loaded with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and Tex-Mex spices, baked to perfection for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet fajita seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade fajita seasoning)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and bell peppers until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in the fajita seasoning. Stir well to coat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Add the chicken and pepper mixture into the bowl and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a side salad.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, chicken breasts provide lean protein and a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with fajita seasoning. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Bell peppers – A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds vibrant color and natural sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
Onion – Sliced onions bring depth and savoriness, essential for that classic fajita flavor.
Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese creates the creamy base of the casserole, binding everything together while adding a luxurious texture.
Shredded cheese – A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully, giving the dish its irresistible gooey topping.
Fajita seasoning – This mix of paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic brings the signature smoky, spicy notes of fajitas to every bite.
Olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and coat the chicken, adding richness and helping the seasonings cling.
Lime juice – Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and enhances all the flavors.
Salt and pepper – These pantry staples tie everything together, enhancing both the spices and the creamy sauce.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray. Slice your chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onions into thin strips—this helps everything cook evenly and gives that authentic fajita texture.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with fajita seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in the baking dish.
Next, scatter the sliced peppers and onions on top of the chicken. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese until smooth, then spread or dollop it over the vegetables. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes.
Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, giving that perfect creamy texture.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people generously.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals. For freezing, portion the casserole into individual containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Low-Carb Option – Skip the rice or tortillas and serve the casserole with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who love extra heat.
Creamier Version – Mix in a splash of heavy cream or more cream cheese before baking for an ultra-rich texture.
Vegetarian Twist – Replace the chicken with black beans, mushrooms, and corn for a hearty meat-free option.
Tex-Mex Style – Top with crushed tortilla chips and extra cheese before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Loaded Fajita Bake – Add cooked bacon bits or chorizo to elevate the smoky flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Adaptation – Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives; I tried it with almond milk-based cheese, and it worked great.
Extra Veggies – Include zucchini or spinach for more nutrition and texture.
Southwest Touch – Sprinkle black olives and diced tomatoes on top before serving for a colorful finish.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Divide into containers and refrigerate; it reheats perfectly for quick weekday lunches.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, just reduce the baking time to about 15–20 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
3. What side dishes go well with Fajita Chicken Casserole?
It pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a crisp green salad.
4. Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, thaw and pat them dry first to prevent excess moisture.
5. How can I make it spicier?
Add hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or jalapeños to the mix.
6. Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your fajita seasoning is gluten-free.
7. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work beautifully for melting and flavor.
8. Can I substitute sour cream for cream cheese?
Yes, but it will be tangier and slightly less thick.
9. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain any liquid from the peppers and avoid overbaking.
10. Can I grill the chicken before baking?
Yes, pre-grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky depth to the casserole.
Conclusion
Fajita Chicken Casserole combines the heartiness of comfort food with the bold, zesty flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s easy, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable—ideal for weeknights or gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Serve it fresh out of the oven with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy a truly satisfying meal that everyone will love.
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