Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

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Slow Cooker Thai Basil Chicken Recipe - Easy and Authentic Thai Flavors

After a long day at work, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole comes to the rescue! Imagine walking through your door to the mouthwatering aroma of Mexican-inspired spices, tender chicken, and colorful bell peppers—all baked to perfection in one dish. This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole transforms the classic hand-held fajita into a convenient, family-style meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

What makes this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole truly special is how it combines the vibrant flavors of traditional fajitas with the comfort and convenience of a casserole. The chicken stays juicy, the peppers maintain just the right amount of crunch, and the creamy, cheesy topping brings everything together in a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Best of all, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour with minimal cleanup afterward!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Here’s everything you need to create this flavorful one-dish wonder:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (4-6 ounces each), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 bell peppers (mixed colors for visual appeal), sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 recipe or package fajita seasoning mix (taco seasoning works too!)
  • 1 cup sour cream (use Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • Optional toppings: avocado, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

  • For a low-carb chicken fajita casserole ideas, use a sugar-free seasoning mix and serve without tortillas
  • To make a spicy chicken fajita casserole with black beans, add 1 can of drained black beans and 1-2 diced jalapeños
  • Create a chicken fajita casserole with tortillas and veggies by adding a layer of corn tortillas on the bottom before baking

How to Make Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole – Step by Step

Step 1:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips.
  3. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
  7. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking until vegetables begin to soften slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
  9. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
  10. Fold in 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for t
  11. Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture to your prepared baking dish.
  12. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
  13. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over everything.
  14. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  15. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution
Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

Pro Tips for Making the Best Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

  • For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken in a few tablespoons of the fajita seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Don’t overcook the bell peppers in the initial sauté – they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Keeping them slightly crisp provides a better texture contrast.
  • For a stovetop chicken fajita casserole for family dinner, you can cook everything in an oven-safe skillet and transfer directly to the oven, saving on cleanup.
  • To ensure a creamy consistency, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
  • For deeper flavor, use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and sharp cheddar.

Best Ways to Serve Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

This versatile dish can be served in numerous ways:

  1. Traditional style: Serve with warm flour tortillas, allowing everyone to create their own fajita wraps.
  2. Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of lettuce for a lighter meal.
  3. Family-style: Place the casserole in the center of the table with bowls of toppings like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream.
  4. Meal prep: Portion into individual containers with a side of Mexican rice for easy lunches throughout the week.

This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole pairs wonderfully with:

Nutritional Information for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Per serving (recipe serves 6):

  • Calories: 425 kcal
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 690mg

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating.
  • Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

What ingredients do I need for Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole?

The essential ingredients include chicken, bell peppers, onion, fajita seasoning, sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Optional toppings include avocado, guacamole, additional sour cream, and salsa.

How long does it take to cook Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole?

The total cooking time is about 45 minutes, including 20-25 minutes of baking time. Prep work takes approximately 15-20 minutes depending on your chopping speed.

Can I make Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, store it covered in the refrigerator, and bake when ready. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with tortillas, rice, beans, corn, salad, or simply a variety of toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, serve with Spanish rice and refried beans.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and comfort food appeal, it’s bound to become a regular in your family’s dinner rotation. The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility—adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.

Whether you’re looking for a quick chicken fajita casserole with bell peppers for a busy Wednesday night or planning a comforting chicken fajita casserole for crowd at your next gathering, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!

Now you have all the tools to make the best Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole at home. Enjoy!

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Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole


Description

This Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole combines the vibrant flavors of traditional fajitas with the comfort and convenience of a casserole, perfectly suited for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (46 ounces each), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 bell peppers (mixed colors for visual appeal), sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 recipe or package fajita seasoning mix (taco seasoning works too!)
  • 1 cup sour cream (use Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • Optional toppings: avocado, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips.
  3. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
  7. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking until vegetables begin to soften slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
  9. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
  10. Fold in 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for topping.
  11. Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture to your prepared baking dish.
  12. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
  13. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over everything.
  14. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  15. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate your chicken in a few tablespoons of the fajita seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the bell peppers in the initial sauté as they’ll continue cooking in the oven, keeping them crisp provides better texture contrast.
  • For a stovetop option, cook everything in an oven-safe skillet and transfer directly to the oven, saving on cleanup.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • For a deeper flavor, try using a combination of Monterey Jack, Colby, and sharp cheddar cheeses.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: 690
  • Fat: 29
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 9
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 32
  • Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: easy chicken fajita casserole, weeknight dinner, baked fajita casserole, mexican-inspired casserole, family meal

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