Fajita Chicken Casserole

Introduction

This Fajita Chicken Casserole brings all the vibrant, zesty flavors of classic fajitas into one comforting, cheesy dish. It’s a perfect combination of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, creamy sauce, and melted cheese baked to perfection. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and great for busy weeknights — without the need to stand over a hot skillet!

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced thinly
• 1 (8 oz / 225 g) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced tomatoes, or avocado

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
3. Mix the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the creamy mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Description

This Fajita Chicken Casserole delivers the irresistible essence of fajitas — smoky, spicy, and creamy all in one bite. It’s a low-carb comfort meal that’s both rich and fresh. The melted cheese forms a gooey crust, the chicken stays juicy, and the peppers add that iconic fajita sweetness and crunch.

Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
• Add heat by including sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Keto-friendly option: Skip the onions or use less to reduce carbs.
• Add rice or tortillas: Serve over rice or with warm tortillas for a heartier meal.

Correction

If your casserole turns out watery, it’s usually because the vegetables released too much moisture. To fix this, sauté them longer before mixing or pat them dry with paper towels. Also, don’t overbake — 20–25 minutes is plenty to keep the texture perfect.