Chicken Fajitas Casserole

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Bold, sizzling flavors meet cozy casserole comfort in this Chicken Fajitas Casserole. Imagine all the smoky, zesty magic of skillet fajitas—but baked into a bubbly, cheesy, one-dish meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, it’s a family-friendly favorite that transforms classic Tex-Mex into a fuss-free bake.

With tender shredded chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a blanket of melted cheese, this casserole skips the tortillas but keeps all the flavor. It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and irresistibly satisfying with each forkful. Think fajitas—but simpler, cheesier, and made to share.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

This recipe works beautifully with cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. The goal is tender chicken that can soak up the fajita seasoning and mingle with the peppers and melted cheese. You can also use leftover grilled chicken for a hint of charred flavor.

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Ingredients for the Chicken Fajitas Casserole

Chicken: Shredded, cooked chicken is the hearty base and takes on all the seasoning.

Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color, sweetness, and that fajita-style texture.

Onion: A sliced onion adds a mild kick and softens beautifully as it bakes.

Fajita Seasoning: You can use a packet or homemade blend for that signature smoky-spicy flavor.

Olive Oil: Helps soften the peppers and onions before baking.

Shredded Cheese: Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend melts into gooey perfection across the top.

Cilantro (optional): For a fresh finish and a pop of green.

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How To Make the Chicken Fajitas Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are slightly softened but still vibrant.

Step 3: Season and Combine

Add the cooked shredded chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in the fajita seasoning. Stir to coat everything evenly. Let it heat together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken and veggie mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Top with fresh cilantro if using, then serve hot. Optional: serve with sour cream, avocado slices, or over a bed of rice for a full meal.

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Serving and Storing Chicken Fajitas Casserole

This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still melty and the veggies are perfectly tender. Serve it as is for a low-carb meal, or pair it with rice, tortillas, or even a crisp salad. It also makes an excellent taco filling if you’re craving something handheld.

For storing, let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

It’s not recommended, as the casserole is designed for quick assembly and baking. Precooked chicken ensures everything heats evenly and safely.

What cheese works best?

Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blends melt beautifully and complement the spices, but cheddar or pepper jack also work if you prefer more bite.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your fajita seasoning blend is certified gluten-free.

Can I add beans or corn?

Definitely. Black beans, corn, or even diced tomatoes can be added to the mix for extra flavor and texture.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Tex-Mex Twist?

If you love this chicken fajitas casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore these other hearty and flavor-packed dinners:

• Mexican White Trash Casserole for a spicy, creamy bake with Southern comfort.
• Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice if you’re craving buttery rice and tender chicken.
• Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles for a beefy, noodle-based dinner packed with umami.
• Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip if you want something bold, sweet, and a little spicy.
• Buffalo Chicken Bowl for a zesty, protein-packed meal with punchy flavor.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find when that fajita craving hits.

And don’t forget to drop a comment—did you add beans or swap in different cheeses? I’d love to hear how you personalized your casserole. Questions are always welcome, too. Let’s keep sharing kitchen wins together!

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