Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight dinner that bridges comfort food and lively Tex-Mex flavors, this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe simply delivers. Imagine a golden, bubbling layer of cheese giving way to juicy shredded chicken, tender bell peppers, and all the aromatic, smoky seasoning you love in classic fajitas—finished off with creamy tang and a fresh, zesty pop from cilantro and lime. It’s the kind of meal that gets everyone around the table, ready to dig in, and has you secretly hoping for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe keeps things simple but packs in layers of flavor. Every ingredient adds something special—vivid color, creamy richness, smoky depth, or irresistible cheesiness—to create a one-dish wonder you’ll crave. Here’s what brings the magic together:
- Cooked shredded chicken: A great use for rotisserie chicken, keeping things both easy and high in protein.
- Red, green, and yellow bell peppers: These add sweetness, crisp-tender texture, and a rainbow of color to every bite.
- Red onion: Offers a touch of sharpness and a hint of sweetness as it cooks down with the peppers.
- Olive oil: Gives the vegetables a beautiful sauté and helps bloom the spices.
- Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper: This classic, smoky-spiced blend delivers that true fajita spirit.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings in acidity and a gentle kick for flavor complexity.
- Sour cream: Adds delightful tang and creaminess to the filling.
- Cream cheese: Makes the casserole extra luscious and helps bind everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts nicely and gives you that ooey-gooey cheesy top every casserole needs.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers even more creamy melt and balances the cheddar’s sharpness.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish): The absolute finishing touch for freshness and brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onion
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. Toss in your sliced bell peppers and onion, and sauté them together for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for the vegetables to become softened and slightly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness and prepping them for the spotlight in this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Spice Blend
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the softened vegetables evenly. This step infuses every bite with that deep, fajita-inspired flavor. Once the spices are fragrant and clinging to the peppers and onions, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 3: Mix Up the Filling
In a big mixing bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, the sautéed vegetables, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is thick, creamy, and beautifully marbled with all those spices and fresh colors. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray, then spread the cheesy fajita mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously on top, making sure to cover every corner for maximum golden-bubbly deliciousness.
Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection
Pop the casserole dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling, melty, and just starting to brown around the edges. That’s your signal it’s time to dish up this irresistible Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes to help it set. Then, go wild with garnishes—fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime over each serving are absolute game-changers, helping to balance all the creamy and cheesy richness. If you like a little extra heat, sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce work wonders.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is plenty hearty on its own, but it loves good company! Try serving it over fluffy rice, alongside a crisp green salad, or with a pile of tortilla chips for scooping up every last bite. Warm flour tortillas or soft corn tortillas are great for taco-style servings and make it extra fun for the whole family.
Creative Ways to Present
Make dinner feel festive by assembling a “fajita bar”—offer the hot casserole with little bowls of toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, extra cheese, and even black olives. Or, scoop the casserole right into mini bell peppers or hollowed avocados for adorable single-serve portions that wow at parties and potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, let it cool completely, then wrap the entire dish (or individual portions) tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes). Single servings can also be microwaved—just add a splash of water or extra sour cream to keep things creamy as it heats.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken not only saves time but brings rich, juicy flavor to the casserole. Just shred or chop it up and you’re all set.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is completely gluten-free. If serving with sides, just make sure any tortillas or chips you use are gluten-free too.
How spicy is the casserole?
It’s mild to medium as written, with plenty of ways to adjust. For more spice, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce—if you prefer it milder, simply leave out the green chilies or use mild diced tomatoes.
Can I substitute other cheeses?
Sure! Pepper Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella can be swapped in for the cheese topping. The key is to choose cheeses that melt well for that signature bubbly finish.
Does this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe work as meal prep?
It’s a meal prep superstar! Assemble the whole casserole in advance, cover, and store in the fridge. Bake right before serving for fuss-free, fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for both busy nights and fun gatherings. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and so easy to customize to your family’s taste. Give it a spot in your recipe rotation—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy cheeses baked to perfection. It’s a satisfying and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fajita Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Serving:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the bell peppers and onion until softened.
- Season the vegetables: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and cream cheese. Mix well.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Serve over rice, in tortillas, or with tortilla chips.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- This dish can be prepped ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
