Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole is a tasty and easy dish that everyone loves! It combines chicken with colorful bell peppers and onions, all mixed together with delicious spices and melted cheese. This casserole is perfect for busy nights and is sure to please the whole family.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Chicken Fajita Casserole is a great way to enjoy Mexican flavors without a lot of fuss. It’s simple to prepare, and you can have it on the table in no time. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a healthy choice. You can also make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It’s great for meal prep or when you have friends over!

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your casserole cooks evenly.
Mix Ingredients: Take a large bowl and add the chicken strips, sliced bell peppers, and onion. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are well coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out in a single layer for even cooking.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Add Cheese: Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses all over the top.
Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, take the casserole out of the oven and garnish it with fresh cilantro before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole

You can serve this Chicken Fajita Casserole on its own as a complete meal. It also goes great with tortillas, rice, or a simple salad on the side. If you like, add some sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.

How to Store Chicken Fajita Casserole

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or bake it in the oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cover it well before freezing.

Tips to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in spices for a few hours before cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for variety.
Use pre-cooked chicken to save time if you want a quicker meal.

Variation (If Any)

If you’re looking to add a kick, consider adding jalapeños to the mix! You can also switch up the cheeses based on your preference. If you want a vegetarian option, you can leave out the chicken and add more beans and veggies instead.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
What if I don’t have all the spices? You can use a pre-made fajita seasoning mix instead.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Enjoy making and sharing your Chicken Fajita Casserole!