Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Ever have those days when you’re craving fajitas but don’t want the hassle of juggling sizzling skillets? Let me introduce you to my take on a chicken fajita casserole—it’s got all the flavor without the fuss, and believe me, your taste buds will thank you! 🤩

I enjoy making uncomplicated yet tasty meals, and this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is no exception. With its core ingredients of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, bright bell peppers, and savory spices—a tasty blend of cumin and chili powder—it could hardly be called “assembly required” cooking, yet the end result does come together in one casserole dish.

Top it with a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and you have a manageable and delicious dinner.

Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: High in protein, lean and low in fat, supports muscle growth.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, rich in antioxidants, aids in nutrient absorption.
• Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C, low calories, adds sweetness and color.
• Onion: Provides antioxidants, adds flavor and natural sweetness.
• Garlic Powder: Rich in sulfur compounds, adds depth of flavor and aroma.
• Cumin: Earthy spice, aids digestion, adds warmth and complexity.
• Chili Powder: Adds heat, contains capsaicin for metabolism boosting.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides calcium, adds richness and creamy texture.
• Cilantro: Contains vitamins K and C, adds fresh, bright flavor.

Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
• Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

How to Make this Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook it until brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Take the skillet and remove the chicken that was cooking inside it and place it where it will be safe and sound until you are ready to serve it. Now, take that same skillet and go ahead and add the sliced onion and the bell peppers. You’ll want to sauté those two for about 5 minutes until they are softened.

4. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onions, and bell peppers.

5. Combine the chicken and vegetables with the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well coated.

6. Gently coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the mixture of chicken and vegetables into the dish.

7. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole’s top.

8. Put the casserole in the oven that has been heated to the proper temperature and then let it bake for a span of time that can be calibrated anywhere from 20 to 25 minutes—0 minutes if you like for the cheese to go from merely melted to bubbly, as it is pictured here.

9. When the casserole finishes baking, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes.

10. If you want, you can chop some fresh cilantro and use it to garnish the casserole. Then, serve the casserole with lime wedges on the side. And there you have it: the easiest chicken fajita casserole I’ve ever made.

Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Mixing spoon or spatula
4. Mixing bowl
5. 9×13 inch baking dish
6. Cooking spray
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Measuring spoons
10. Tongs or a spatula (for removing cooked chicken)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?Certainly. You can use chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts. They might need an extra minute or two to reach that done stage, but they’ll be just as moist and tasty.
• Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?A: Indeed, the casserole can be made a day early and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to bake and serve. Just be sure to wrap it well and then pop it in the oven when it’s showtime.
• Q: Is there a way to make this dairy-free?A: To make this dish free from dairy, all you have to do is leave out the cheese or use a cheese-like substance that melts better than many dairy-free products. (Actually, this is a meal. Calling it a dish somehow makes it sound more fancy or involved than it is.)
• Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Store remaining food in a closed container, in the fridge, for no longer than 4 days. If it lived in the oven, on the stovetop, or in an airtight container, it should be safe to reheat or serve as it was originally intended.
• Q: Can I add more vegetables?A: Of course! You can certainly throw in other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn to ramp up the flavor and nutrition factor.

Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with boneless chicken thighs that are skinless for a juicier option.
Olive oil: Use avocado oil or canola oil as substitutes.
Orange bell pepper: Use this in place of red bell pepper for the same taste and texture.
Colby cheese: Substitute for a milder flavor with cheddar cheese.
Monterey Jack cheese: Replace with Pepper Jack cheese for an added spicy kick.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor: Before cooking, marinate the sliced chicken in lime juice, garlic, and a bit of olive oil for about 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.