Name: Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 53 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken, sliced into strips; 2 bell peppers (red/yellow), sliced; 1 yellow onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 packet fajita seasoning or homemade; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), drained; 1 cup chicken broth; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; 1 cup cooked rice, optional; 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded; ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 19 reviews

If you’re craving the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex without the fuss of managing multiple skillets, this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is about to become your go-to comfort meal. Picture all the sizzling excitement of classic fajitas, but cozied up in a cheesy, one-pan bake that’s irresistibly creamy and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or you’re feeding a crowd, this casserole brings together tender chicken, peppers, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping for a dinner that tastes like a celebration. You’ll love how the Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe blends convenience with that big, bold fajita flavor punch—no tortillas required!

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how each ingredient pulls its weight, creating a festival of color, texture, and flavor in every forkful. From juicy chicken to a generous sprinkle of cheese, here’s what you need (and why you need it)!

Boneless skinless chicken (2 lbs): Sliced into strips, this is the hearty, protein-rich base that soaks up all those Tex-Mex flavors.
Bell peppers (2, red/yellow): Their sweetness and vivid color give the classic fajita flair and pop.
Yellow onion (1): Sliced into thin strips, it caramelizes as it bakes, bringing savory depth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic rounds out the flavor profile and adds a warm, aromatic hug.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for searing the chicken and locking in juiciness before baking.
Fajita seasoning (1 packet or homemade): The Tex-Mex soul—use your favorite blend or make your own for extra customization.
Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained): Adds zing and keeps everything succulent melding into the sauce.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Lends moisture and enhances all the other flavors with a savory base.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Delivers irresistible creaminess and a touch of tang.
Sour cream (½ cup): Lightens and enriches the creamy layer for extra silkiness.
Cooked rice (1 cup, optional): If you love your casserole a little more filling and hearty, add this!
Mexican cheese blend (2 cups, shredded): Melts perfectly, creating that glorious, golden crust you want in a casserole.
Sharp cheddar cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds a bold, punchy finish and beautiful color.
Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Fresh, zingy, and the absolute finishing touch for flavor and brightness.
Green onions (2, sliced): Sprinkle just before serving for a crisp, peppery bite.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Work Makes Dream Work

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and go ahead and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and that every bit of cheesy goodness makes it to your plate. Slice your chicken into thin strips and toss with the fajita seasoning evenly. While that’s marinating, grab your chef’s knife and prep the peppers and onions into matchstick strips, then mince the garlic. The key here is even sizes, so everything bakes up at the same rate and nothing gets lost.

Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor

Heat a large skillet with the olive oil over medium-high. Once hot, lay the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a little golden color—the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through, just enough to get those flavorful bits and seal in moisture. This step layers on that unmistakable fajita flavor, setting your Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe a notch above.

Step 3: Creamy Mixture Magic

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and dreamy. If you’re using rice, mix it in now for a sturdier, heartier casserole. Spread half this mixture in the bottom of your greased baking dish—this is your secret layer for extra moisture and richness.

Step 4: Layer and Sauce Up

Now, start building the magic. Begin with the seared chicken strips, then scatter your sliced peppers, onions, and garlic right on top. Pour over the drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth, letting that moisture and tanginess mingle throughout. Dot and spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over everything for a luscious finish.

Step 5: Cheese Blanket and Bake

Cover your dish tightly with foil. Bake covered for 20 minutes—this softens those veggies and invites all the flavors to mix and mingle. Remove the foil, then shower the top with your Mexican cheese blend and sharp cheddar. Return to the oven uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes before diving in; this helps everything set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For the perfect Tex-Mex finish, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions right before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of creamy avocado take the flavors to new heights and add a pop of color to your plate. Crumbled tortilla chips or a quick dash of hot sauce are welcome for those who crave a little extra crunch and zing.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with sides like cilantro lime rice or classic Mexican street corn. A crisp green salad with a lime dressing can freshen up the meal, or keep it hearty with warm, buttered tortillas on the side. Don’t forget refried beans or black beans if you’re serving a crowd and want a complete Tex-Mex spread!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try spooning the casserole filling into mini bell pepper boats for a playful, bite-sized appetizer. Or, serve big heaping spoonfuls in warm tortillas for instant fajita wraps. For a party, create a casserole bar with toppings like sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and plenty of shredded cheese so guests can customize their own plates. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe in an airtight container once cooled. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days without losing its cheesy, savory appeal. If possible, store garnishes separately and add them fresh when reheating for best results.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this casserole! Let it cool completely, then either wrap the dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label it so you remember the tasty treasure waiting for you.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if needed, then bake covered at 350°F until heated through (about 25 minutes for a full dish). For single servings, the microwave works well—just heat in bursts and stir to ensure everything warms evenly. Adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese or extra cilantro before serving helps revive all the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it or slice it into strips, toss with the fajita seasoning, and proceed with the recipe as written starting at the casserole assembly step. It’s a fantastic way to cut down on prep time for your Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.

What’s the best way to make homemade fajita seasoning?

Mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Adjust to your taste! Homemade seasoning lets you control the spice and ingredients, making your Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe even more personal and flavorful.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Definitely! Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and your favorite non-dairy cheese shreds. You may need to tweak the amounts slightly or add a touch more broth to keep things creamy, but the results will still be rich and satisfying.

What can I substitute for rice?

If you’d like to skip the rice or need a low-carb option, try using cooked cauliflower rice instead. Even skipping it altogether works just fine—the casserole is still plenty hearty from all the other goodness in the Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Want extra kick? Stir chopped jalapeños or canned green chilies into the veggie layer, use a spicy fajita seasoning, or finish with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Customizing the spice level is easy and makes this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe a hit for heat-lovers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with all the lively flavors of Tex-Mex, this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s hearty, comforting, and wildly adaptable—whether you’re cooking for family or sharing with friends. So gather your ingredients, get the oven going, and let the fun (and feasting) begin!