Name: Chicken Fajita Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Chicken breasts or thighs – 2 to 3 boneless, skinless breasts or thighs; Bell peppers – 1 red, 1 green, and 1 yellow bell pepper (or just a mix of 2); Onion – 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; Salsa – 1 to 1.5 cups; Tortilla chips – 1 to 1.5 cups; Shredded cheese – 1.5 to 2 cups; Fajita seasoning mix – About 2 tablespoons (or use a homemade blend of 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Short Description
Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner the whole family will love? This Chicken Fajita Casserole is packed with bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and the perfect kick of spice. It’s everything you love about fajitas—only easier and baked into a delicious casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a game-changer! It brings all the vibrant, savory flavors of chicken fajitas into one easy-to-make dish. The tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese come together in a perfectly comforting meal. It’s not only packed with flavor but also simple to put together. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, and you can enjoy leftovers all week long!

Ingredients
Here’s a preview of what you’ll need for this tasty dish:

Chicken breasts or thighs
Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
Onion
Salsa
Tortilla chips (optional, for added crunch)
Shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works best)

For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, check below!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—both work great. Season the chicken with your favorite fajita seasoning mix or a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned. Set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the chicken cooks, slice your bell peppers and onion into thin strips. In the same skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the peppers and onions until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. You want them to be tender but still with a bit of crunch left. This step really brings out the sweetness in the veggies.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time to assemble! Start by spreading a layer of salsa at the bottom of a baking dish. Then, add the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables. If you’re using tortilla chips, you can layer them in here for an extra crunch. Top the entire dish with a generous amount of shredded cheese—this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into a preheated oven (around 375°F or 190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is golden and slightly crispy around the edges.

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you want an extra creamy casserole, add a few dollops of sour cream to the salsa before layering.
For a spicier kick, throw in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce with the salsa.
Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s fully browned on the outside for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

For a healthier version, you can swap out the tortilla chips for a layer of cauliflower rice or even use whole-wheat tortillas.
If you don’t have shredded cheese, you can use a block of cheese and shred it yourself for a fresher flavor.
You could also add black beans or corn for a little more texture and color.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Chicken Fajita Casserole pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh avocado salad. You can even top it with a little extra sour cream or guacamole for an added creamy touch. For a more filling meal, serve it with a side of beans or corn on the cob.

Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven. If you’re using the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the cheese from overcooking, and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken?
Yes! Ground chicken works perfectly in this casserole and will cook faster.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions. Just sauté them until they’re heated through before layering them into the casserole.
Is this casserole spicy?
It’s got a mild spice from the fajita seasoning, but if you like things extra spicy, feel free to add some hot sauce or jalapeños.

Conclusion
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is everything you need in a weeknight dinner: easy, flavorful, and comforting. The layers of tender chicken, peppers, and melted cheese create the perfect combination, and it’s so simple to make. Whether you’re serving it to the family or prepping for a busy week, this dish will become a go-to favorite in no time. Enjoy!

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner the whole family will love? This Chicken Fajita Casserole is packed with bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and the perfect kick of spice. It’s everything you love about fajitas—only easier and baked into a delicious casserole!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings + 2 extra servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken breasts or thighs – 2 to 3 boneless, skinless breasts or thighs
Bell peppers – 1 red, 1 green, and 1 yellow bell pepper (or just a mix of 2)
Onion – 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Salsa – 1 to 1.5 cups
Tortilla chips – 1 to 1.5 cups
Shredded cheese – 1.5 to 2 cups
Fajita seasoning mix – About 2 tablespoons (or use a homemade blend of 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with fajita seasoning and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Sauté in the same skillet with olive oil until tender but slightly crunchy.
Layer the Casserole: Spread a layer of salsa in a baking dish. Add the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and tortilla chips (optional). Top with shredded cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.