Name: Fajita Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish

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Fajita Chicken Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal packed with tender shredded chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and melted cheese. Infused with classic Tex-Mex spices, this easy casserole delivers all the flavor of sizzling fajitas in a comforting, oven-baked form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect weeknight dinner—simple prep, minimal cleanup.
Loaded with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal.
Rich, cheesy top layer for ultimate comfort.
Customizable heat level with optional cayenne and jalapeños.
Great for meal prep—reheats beautifully for lunches and leftovers.

Ingredients

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

cooked chicken breast, shredded
red bell pepper, sliced
green bell pepper, sliced
yellow bell pepper, sliced
small onion, sliced
diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
shredded cheddar cheese
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
olive oil
chili powder
cumin
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and pepper
fresh cilantro (for garnish)
sliced jalapeños (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell peppers for about 5–7 minutes until just tender.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños.
Serve hot, optionally with rice or warm tortillas.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Low-Carb Option: Serve as is or with cauliflower rice.
Add Beans: Mix in black beans or pinto beans for added texture and fiber.
Spice Adjustment: Omit cayenne and jalapeños for a milder version.
Tortilla Base: Layer with corn tortillas for a fajita enchilada twist.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with mushrooms, beans, and more peppers.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating in Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Reheating in Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute increments until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves time on prep.

2. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the cayenne and jalapeños to suit your taste.

3. Can I add rice directly to the casserole?

You can mix in cooked rice before baking to make it a full meal in one dish.

4. What type of cheese can I substitute?

Try pepper jack for a spicier kick or mozzarella for a milder option.

5. How can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensure the toppings are also dairy-free.

6. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

7. What side dishes go well with this?

Serve with guacamole, sour cream, tortilla chips, or a side salad.

8. Is this gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.

9. Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, just thaw and drain them well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.

10. How can I make this casserole creamier?

Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese into the chicken mixture before baking.

Conclusion

Fajita Chicken Casserole combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a single-pan dish. It’s a satisfying and customizable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping. Loaded with protein, vegetables, and melty cheese, it’s a flavorful favorite your family will request again and again.

Fajita Chicken Casserole

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavor-packed, cheesy one-dish wonder loaded with shredded chicken, bell peppers, and Mexican flair—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell peppers until just tender, about 5–7 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked veggies, diced tomatoes, and all seasonings. Stir until well mixed.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños. Serve hot with rice or tortillas.