Print

Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

easy cheesy chicken fajita casserole - featured image

A quick and flavorful casserole combining tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and melted cheese with bold fajita spices, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced or shredded
  • 2 medium bell peppers, mixed colors, sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano blend)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dice or shred about 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. If using leftover cooked chicken, shred or chop it.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers and sliced onion. Cook about 5 minutes until softened but still vibrant.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning evenly over the mixture. Stir well to coat everything. Cook for 7-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Let any released liquid simmer off.
  6. If using, stir in 1 cup cooked rice and mix thoroughly.
  7. Transfer the chicken and veggie mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheese evenly on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve with dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Notes

If cheese browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing to avoid steaming. Fresh fajita seasoning spices improve flavor. Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne. Use leftover cooked chicken to save time. For vegetarian version, substitute chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based protein and add black beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, cheesy casserole, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, fajita seasoning, bell peppers, baked casserole