Description
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a bold and comforting Tex-Mex inspired bake loaded with seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and layers of melted cheese. It delivers classic fajita flavor in an easy, family-friendly oven dish.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet fajita seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 bell peppers, sliced (mixed colors)
1 large onion, sliced
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken with olive oil, fajita seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the bowl and mix well to coat with the seasoning.
- Spread half of the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the drained diced tomatoes and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining chicken mixture, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Add sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Stir in cooked rice or quinoa before layering to stretch the meal.
Use reduced-fat cheese or slightly reduce the amount for a lighter version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
