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Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a hearty and easy-to-make Tex-Mex dish combining tender seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses baked over a base of tortillas or rice. This comforting casserole brings the classic fajita flavors into a delicious, kid-friendly family meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips

Vegetables

  • 1 each red, green, and yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Spices

  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional: ½ cup sour cream or 4 oz cream cheese

Base

  • 6–8 small tortillas torn or 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Chicken: Slice the boneless chicken into strips and toss with fajita seasoning and olive oil, coating all pieces evenly to ensure full flavor in every bite.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until nearly done. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic until tender and fragrant.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. If using sour cream or cream cheese, fold it in now to create a creamy and rich texture.
  4. Prepare the Base: Grease a casserole dish and layer torn tortillas or pre-cooked rice evenly on the bottom to absorb the flavorful juices throughout baking.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the base layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the top.
  6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Bake the assembled casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

  • Season generously with fajita seasoning to get the authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
  • Use fresh bell peppers and onions for the best texture and vibrant taste.
  • Cook chicken only until nearly done in the pan, because it will finish cooking in the oven, keeping it juicy.
  • Distribute ingredients and cheese evenly to ensure each serving has balanced flavors.
  • Let casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set and allow easier slicing.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, fajita casserole, cheesy chicken, Tex-Mex casserole, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy fajitas