Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Fajitas Casserole is an easy and cheesy dish that brings all the vibrant flavors of fajitas into a comforting baked meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy cheese for a delicious crowd-pleaser.

A black cast iron skillet filled with a cheesy dish that has an orange melted cheddar cheese layer on top. Under the cheese, you can see cooked chicken pieces and sliced bell peppers mixed with seasoning. On the cheese layer, there are chopped green onions sprinkled all over for color and freshness. In the center of the skillet, there is a small mound of avocado slices fanned out, next to a dollop of white sour cream and a spoonful of red salsa. The skillet sits on a white marbled textured surface with scattered chopped green onions and half an avocado nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (4 to 6 ounces each, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 4 bell peppers (sliced; use a mix of colors for a pretty presentation)
  • 1 small onion (sliced)
  • 1 recipe or package fajita seasoning mix (taco seasoning can also be used)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated)
  • Optional for serving: avocado, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken pieces until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until they reach your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Stir in the fajita seasoning, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until everything is evenly combined.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten up the dish without losing creaminess.
  • Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and mozzarella for extra gooeyness and flavor.
  • Add black beans or corn to the chicken mixture for more texture and nutrients.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A black cast iron skillet filled with a cheesy, creamy mixture with visible chunks of cooked chicken, sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and melted bright orange cheddar cheese evenly covering the top. On the center, a small mound of toppings includes fanned slices of fresh green avocado, a dollop of white sour cream, and a spoonful of chunky red salsa. Sprinkled over the dish are small chopped green onions and cilantro leaves, adding a fresh green contrast. Around the skillet on a white marbled surface are a whole green bell pepper, an open jar of chunky red salsa, half an avocado with the seed removed, and stacked white flour tortillas partially visible to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and use a dairy-free cheese to keep the dish creamy and tasty without dairy.

Print
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Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This easy and cheesy Chicken Fajitas Casserole combines tender sautéed chicken thighs with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with a flavorful fajita mix, all baked to perfection with creamy cheese. A perfect comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and delicious for any night of the week.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (4 to 6 ounces each, cut into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables

  • 4 bell peppers (sliced, assorted colors for visual appeal)
  • 1 small onion (sliced)

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 recipe or package fajita seasoning mix (or taco seasoning as substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated)

Optional for serving

  • Avocado
  • Guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Sauté Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook them over medium heat until they reach your desired tenderness, soft yet still slightly crisp.
  3. Combine Chicken and Seasoning: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the fajita seasoning mix along with the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Mix everything thoroughly so the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated and creamy.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if not already in one. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, creating a golden cheesy topping.
  5. Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with slices of avocado, dollops of guacamole, extra sour cream, and your favorite salsa for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy.
  • Bell peppers can be any mix of colors such as red, yellow, orange, and green to make the dish visually appealing.
  • Fajita seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; taco seasoning works as a good substitute if needed.
  • Sour cream and cream cheese create a creamy texture and tangy taste that balances the spices well.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Adjust baking time slightly if using a different oven or casserole size.
  • Serve with warm tortillas to turn this casserole into a fajita meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keywords: Chicken fajitas casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe, Tex-Mex chicken bake, quick chicken fajitas, creamy chicken casserole

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