Name: Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips; 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack); 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lime, juiced; Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper to taste

If you love bursting flavors wrapped up in a cozy, satisfying dish, then this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken mingling with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and that irresistible blend of melted cheeses, all baked together into one gloriously cheesy Tex-Mex casserole. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into a meal that feels special but comes together with ease. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or surprising guests with a fuss-free showstopper, this recipe has all the warmth and excitement of classic fajitas in a hearty, comforting casserole form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a key role — from the juicy chicken strips to the colorful bell peppers and the homemade fajita seasoning that brings it all to life with bold flavors. Together, they create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and eye-catching color that you’ll love pulling out of the oven.

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the spices.
3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green): Fresh and crisp, these add vibrant color and natural sweetness.
1 large onion: Sliced to add a subtle, savory sweetness that complements the peppers and chicken.
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack): A melty, gooey topping that makes this casserole irresistibly comforting.
10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Adds moisture, mild heat, and depth without overwhelming the dish.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps everything sauté lightly and keeps the chicken tender.
1 lime, juiced: A splash of citrus brightness that elevates the fajita flavors perfectly.
Fresh cilantro, chopped: For garnish — it adds a fresh, herbal note that finishes the casserole beautifully.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning: A blend of 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp dried oregano, 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), salt and black pepper — all the spices that give this dish its signature Tex-Mex punch.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — this simple step makes sure your casserole comes out perfectly every time. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken strips with olive oil, fresh lime juice, and the homemade fajita seasoning. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 10 to 15 minutes gives those spices a chance to seep in and really develop that signature fajita flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the chicken marinates, slice up your bell peppers and onions. Add them into the same bowl as the chicken, tossing everything so it’s evenly coated in that zesty seasoning blend. This quick mix ensures the vegetables soak up those bold flavors and also get ready to soften perfectly during baking.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Now the fun part: layering. Start by placing half of the chicken and veggie mixture into the prepared baking dish. Next, scatter half of the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the top, followed by a generous cup of your shredded cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining chicken and veggies, tomatoes, and cheese to build up that satisfying casserole texture.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let everything cook through and meld together. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden. If you want to add a little crunch, finish with a quick 2 to 3-minute broil — just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy sauce covering several browned meatballs and small gnocchi-like pieces, topped with fresh green parsley leaves scattered on top. A wooden spoon lifts some of the meatballs and gnocchi, showing the rich sauce clinging to them. The sauce looks thick and smooth with a pale beige color. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds a fresh burst of flavor and bright color to pull everything together. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado if you want to get a little extra creamy and rich.

Side Dishes

This casserole goes great with warm flour tortillas or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the cheesy, spicy juices. For some added crunch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or simple black beans for a truly balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve individual casserole portions in small cast-iron skillets for a rustic restaurant vibe. Or spoon it over crispy tortilla chips and dollop with guacamole for a fun, nacho-inspired twist the whole family will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe tastes just as delicious the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy quick, satisfying meals later without missing a beat.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions into the microwave for a couple minutes or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. For best results, cover with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you want extra juicy and tender meat. Just make sure to cut them into strips similar in size to breasts for even cooking in this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.

What if I don’t have fresh bell peppers?

While fresh peppers add the best texture and flavor, you could use frozen sliced bell peppers in a pinch. Just be mindful that frozen veggies might release more moisture, so drain any excess liquid before layering.

Can I make this casserole spicier?

Definitely. Adjust the cayenne pepper in the fajita seasoning or add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check your canned tomatoes and seasoning blends for any hidden gluten ingredients.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

You can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or black beans and keep the rest of the recipe the same. The fajita seasoning and cheese will still deliver fantastic flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something both flavorful and comforting without a ton of fuss. It pulls together the classic flair of fajitas in a handy, satisfying casserole that’s ready to impress. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need