Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole is a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings all the zesty Tex-Mex flavors together in a single dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.

With juicy chicken, sweet peppers, and melted cheese baked to perfection, this casserole captures the sizzling flavor of fajitas—no skillet required. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in under 40 minutes.

What You’ll Need for This Flavor-Packed Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Chicken breasts – The heart of the dish, they soak up seasoning and stay tender as they bake under the veggies and cheese.
• Fajita seasoning – A smoky, spicy blend that brings bold flavor to every bite and mimics classic fajita sizzle.
• Vegetable oil – Helps the seasoning coat the chicken evenly and keeps everything juicy during baking.
• Bell peppers – Sliced into colorful strips, they soften as they bake, adding natural sweetness and crunch.
• Yellow onion – Brings savory depth and mild sweetness, tying the vegetables together beautifully.
• Shredded cheese – Melts over everything to create a gooey, golden blanket of richness.
• Fresh cilantro – A bright, herbal garnish that adds color and freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole in a Flash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, coat the chicken breasts with fajita seasoning and oil—massage it in to ensure every inch is packed with flavor.

Layer sliced bell peppers and onions on top of the chicken, and sprinkle a little extra seasoning for good measure. Finish it off with a generous handful of shredded cheese over the top.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Serve hot with fresh cilantro scattered over the top.

Tips, Tricks, and Tempting Twists

To ensure your chicken stays juicy, avoid overbaking—an instant-read thermometer is your best friend here. If you’re pressed for time, cube the chicken to reduce cook time by several minutes without sacrificing flavor.

Want to lighten things up? Skip the cheese and opt for a crisp topping of parmesan and panko. For a heartier twist, stir in cooked pasta before baking, or serve over rice for a more traditional pairing.

Low-carb eaters can spoon this over cauliflower rice, while flavor seekers will love it paired with garlic butter noodles or Mexican rice. It’s endlessly customizable, making it a staple for every taste.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Fajita Casserole Like a Pro

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes to keep the texture of the veggies and cheese intact.

Microwaving is quicker and still tasty, though the peppers may soften more. This casserole doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the fresh vegetables, but it’s usually gone before you need to worry about that!

Chicken Fajita Casserole

A hearty and vibrant one-dish dinner, Chicken Fajita Casserole delivers the bold flavors of classic fajitas with minimal cleanup. Ready in just under 40 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying option for a weeknight family meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 2 medium bell peppers sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 ½ pounds 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
• Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the chicken breasts directly into a baking dish and coat them evenly with vegetable oil and fajita seasoning, massaging the mixture to ensure thorough coverage.
• Layer the sliced bell peppers and onion over the seasoned chicken. Lightly sprinkle additional fajita seasoning over the vegetables for enhanced flavor.
• Evenly distribute the shredded cheese on top of the mixture.
• Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a kitchen thermometer.
Any variety of melting cheese is suitable for this casserole.
For a lighter option, omit the cheese and instead top with a blend of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, then mist with oil before baking.
To expedite cooking, dice the chicken into smaller cubes, which will reduce overall bake time.
This dish pairs well with garlic butter pasta, plain or Mexican-style rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
For leftovers, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or use the microwave for convenience.