Sizzling Spicy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe: Fiesta in a Dish!

Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering spicy chicken fajita casserole that brings Mexican-inspired flavors straight to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and melted cheese create a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.

The bold spices dance across each bite, promising a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Every forkful promises a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Tips to Make It Zesty and Filling

• Prep the entire casserole up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal.
• Replace tortillas with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot fajita seasoning, or mix your own blend to match your family's preferred spice tolerance.
• Easily substitute chicken with ground turkey, shrimp, or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh for diverse dietary needs and flavor adventures.
• Experiment with different colorful bell peppers, add mushrooms, or toss in some fresh spinach to boost nutrition and create exciting flavor combinations that keep the dish interesting.

Serving Ideas for This Casserole

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Serve the casserole on a vibrant platter with warm tortillas folded alongside, creating a colorful and inviting meal that screams Mexican-inspired comfort.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top with cool, creamy sliced avocados, zesty pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add brightness and extra layers of texture to the cheesy chicken dish.
• Complete Meal Companions: Pair with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal and provide a balanced, satisfying dinner that will please the whole family.
• Leftover: Transform any remaining casserole into delicious lunch wraps by stuffing into tortillas or use as a topping for nachos, giving the dish a fun second life the next day.

Casserole Storage Made Simple

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, storing up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and maintain the casserole's delicious texture.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350F, adding extra cheese on top for a fresh-baked taste.
• Prepare the casserole components in advance – cook chicken and chop vegetables the day before. Store separately in sealed containers, then assemble and bake when ready to enjoy. This approach saves time and keeps ingredients fresh, perfect for busy weeknights.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for this casserole?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with beef strips, turkey, or even shrimp for a different protein option.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe’s spice level depends on the fajita seasoning you use. Choose a mild or hot seasoning based on your preference, or make your own blend to control the heat.

• Do I need to pre-cook the bell peppers and onions?

No, the vegetables will cook perfectly in the oven during the casserole’s baking time. Just slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredient List

• Chicken Strips: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and tender texture, choose fresh, boneless chicken breast for best results, slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Fajita Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that creates authentic Mexican-inspired taste, look for low-sodium options, mix your own for controlled heat and flavor intensity.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and subtle richness, select extra virgin for best quality and health benefits.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty components that create creamy texture and golden top, choose block cheese and grate fresh for superior melting quality, blend different cheese types for complex flavor profile.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy topping that balances spicy elements, opt for full-fat version for richer taste.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and sweetness, select firm, vibrant peppers in various colors for visual appeal, slice uniformly for even cooking.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright, zesty finish, chop just before serving to maintain maximum flavor.
• Guacamole, Salsa: Optional condiments that enhance overall taste experience, prepare fresh for best results.
• Tortillas, Rice: Optional accompaniments that complete the meal, warm tortillas before serving for optimal texture.

Tools for Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Large Skillet: Key tool for cooking chicken to golden perfection with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering ingredients and creating a complete casserole.
• Foil: Crucial for covering the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing bell peppers, onions, and chopping cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise vegetable and chicken preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately portion fajita seasoning and salt.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for stirring and moving chicken while cooking.

Cooking Chicken Fajita Casserole Right

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 375F and grease a baking dish so nothing sticks.

• Sear the Protein

Heat olive oil in a skillet and toss chicken strips with some zesty seasoning. Cook until they’re golden and almost done, about 5 minutes.

• Layer the

Spread those spiced chicken pieces in the baking dish. Scatter colorful bell peppers and onions across the top, dusting everything with more seasoning.

• Cheese It Up

Blanket the entire creation with a generous layer of melty cheddar and mozzarella, covering every delicious inch.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and slide into the oven for 20 minutes. Then uncover and let the cheese get bubbly and irresistible for another 10 minutes.

• Finish and Feast

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve with cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, or tangy salsa. Grab some tortillas or rice if you want, and dig in!

Spicy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken fajita casserole brings Tex-Mex flavors to dinner tables with layers of zesty chicken, peppers, and melted cheese. Home cooks can savor this simple, satisfying meal that delivers comfort and excitement in each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (or use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Protein Sautéing: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken strips seasoned with salt, pepper, and fajita blend until golden and nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet.
3. Layering Foundation: Arrange sautéed chicken strips in the prepared baking dish, then distribute bell peppers and onions across the surface. Sprinkle remaining fajita seasoning over the vegetable layer to intensify flavor profiles.
4. Cheese Coating: Generously cover the chicken and vegetable mixture with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring complete and even coverage for a rich, melted finish.
5. Initial Baking: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop depth of flavor.
6. Final Browning: Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and develops a golden crust.
7. Finishing Touches: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
8. Serving Suggestions: Accompany with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, and serve with warm tortillas or rice for a complete meal experience.

Notes

Optimize Chicken Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer to check doneness without overcooking.

Customize Spice Levels: Adjust fajita seasoning intensity by using mild or hot blends, or creating a homemade mix to control salt and heat according to personal preference.

Vegetable Texture Trick: Cut bell peppers and onions uniformly to guarantee even cooking and maintain a consistent, appealing texture throughout the casserole.

Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese fresh for superior melting quality, allowing it to create a smooth, golden-brown crust that adds depth and richness to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg