Fajita Chicken Casserole – Easy Cheesy Tex-Mex Baked Dinner

Introduction

Fajita Chicken Casserole is a bold, colorful, and flavor-packed dinner inspired by classic sizzling fajitas—but made easier in one baking dish. This casserole combines juicy seasoned chicken, tender bell peppers, onions, creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting Tex-Mex meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

Traditional fajitas are served sizzling in a skillet, wrapped in tortillas. This baked version keeps all the smoky, savory flavor but eliminates the need for constant stovetop cooking. Everything goes into one dish and bakes together, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while the cheese melts into golden perfection.

What makes this recipe so appealing is its versatility. It can be served low-carb on its own, spooned into tortillas, layered over rice, or used as a filling for burritos and bowls. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, potlucks, and family dinners.

If you love fajitas but want a hands-off, oven-baked version that still delivers big flavor, Fajita Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced

1 large onion, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 packet fajita seasoning (or homemade blend)

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 cup sour cream

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)

Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Preparation
Step 1:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, toss sliced chicken with olive oil, fajita seasoning, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3:

Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in the baking dish. Top with sliced bell peppers and onions.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and drained diced tomatoes. Spoon this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.

Step 5:

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Variations

Low-Carb Version: Skip sour cream and use cream cheese

Spicy Fajita Bake: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder

Rice Fajita Casserole: Add cooked rice to the bottom layer

Keto Option: Serve as-is without tortillas

Extra Cheesy: Add pepper jack cheese

Cooking Note

Slice chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking. If pieces are too thick, they may require additional baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas

Spoon over cilantro lime rice

Add guacamole or salsa on top

Serve with black beans and corn

Top with fresh lime juice

Tips

Use fresh bell peppers for best texture

Drain tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture

Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving

Taste seasoning before baking and adjust

Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30–35 minutes

Total Time:

45–50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 480

Protein: 40g

Sodium: 720mg

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Fajita Chicken Casserole?
Yes. Freeze after baking and cooling completely.

What cheese works best?
Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Thighs stay juicy and flavorful.

Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Conclusion

Fajita Chicken Casserole is a vibrant, cheesy, and comforting dish that brings Tex-Mex flavors to your table with minimal effort. Packed with seasoned chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese, this oven-baked meal is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. Easy to customize and incredibly satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

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