Fajita Chicken Casserole 🥘

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Here’s a long, flavor-packed recipe for Fajita Chicken Casserole — a sizzling twist on classic fajitas baked into a creamy, cheesy, colorful one-pan dish. It’s loaded with spiced chicken, bell peppers, onions, a creamy sauce, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potluck favorites.

Fajita Chicken Casserole

Servings: 6–8

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Style: Tex-Mex comfort food, low-carb friendly

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Seasoning:

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie or grilled chicken works great)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of ½ lime

For the Creamy Base:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • ½ cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy—your choice)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
  • ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese (optional, for a little kick)

For Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Optional Add-Ins/Substitutions:

  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (if you want to make it more filling)
  • 1 (15 oz) can of black beans or corn, drained
  • Low-carb version: omit rice and beans
  • Gluten-free version: ensure salsa and spices are gluten-free

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. If using uncooked chicken breasts:
    • Season with salt, pepper, and ½ the fajita seasoning mix.
    • Bake, grill, or pan-sear until cooked through, then shred or dice.
    • If using pre-cooked chicken, move to the next step.
  4. In a large bowl, toss the cooked chicken with all the fajita spices and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add bell peppers, onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Add garlic and lime juice, stir, and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa until smooth.
  2. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and the pepper jack (if using).
  3. Fold in the seasoned chicken and sautéed vegetables until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread the entire creamy chicken and veggie mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
  3. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden around the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeño slices if desired.
  3. Serve with:
    • Warm tortillas or tortilla chips
    • Mexican rice or cauliflower rice
    • Sliced avocado, guacamole, or pico de gallo
    • Lime wedges on the side

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole (whole or individual portions) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.
  • Reheat: Microwave individual servings or reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • You can prepare the casserole up to Step 4 and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
  • Great for meal prep — portion into containers with rice or veggies.

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or hot salsa.
  • Cheesy Overload: Stir in more cheese or top with queso sauce before serving.
  • Low-Carb / Keto: Omit beans, rice, and tortilla sides. Use cauliflower rice.
  • Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or roasted chickpeas, and use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

  • One-pan convenience — minimal cleanup!
  • Packed with bold, zesty flavor from fajita spices and lime
  • Ultra-creamy, cheesy, and hearty
  • Flexible for all dietary needs
  • Great for weeknight meals, guests, or potlucks

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