Name: Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 variety of colors for visual appeal); 1 small onion (sliced); 1 recipe or package fajita seasoning mix (taco seasoning can be substituted); 1 cup sour cream; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated); Avocado; Guacamole; Sour cream; Salsa

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 82 reviews

If you love bold flavors and comforting cheesy dishes, you are going to adore this Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that combines the vibrant taste of fajitas with the cozy, melty goodness of a casserole, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole brings together tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and gooey cheddar in a way that’s quick, simple, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six white bowls and a white plate on a white marbled surface. The white plate holds four piles of thinly sliced bell peppers in red, orange, yellow, and green, arranged in separate sections. One white bowl contains thinly sliced white onions, while another bowl holds small pieces of raw pink chicken. A third white bowl is filled with shredded orange cheddar cheese. A small glass bowl in the center holds a reddish-brown spice mix, and another white bowl contains a smooth white creamy sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward yet flavor-packed ingredients is all you need to whip up this fantastic casserole. Each item plays a vital role: the chicken for protein, the bell peppers and onions for freshness and texture, the cheeses for richness, and the fajita seasoning to tie everything together with that irresistible southwestern flair.

Olive oil: Helps sauté the chicken and vegetables to flavorful perfection.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook evenly and stay juicy throughout baking.
Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors to brighten the dish and add a slight crunch.
Small onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sautéed veggie mix.
Fajita seasoning mix: The heart of the dish, delivering that classic spicy and smoky fajita flavor.
Sour cream: Creates a creamy texture and balances the spice with tanginess.
Cream cheese: Softened for smooth mixing, it enriches the casserole’s texture.
Cheddar cheese: Grated for melting on top, giving a golden, bubbly finish.
Optional toppings: Avocado, guacamole, salsa, and extra sour cream to customize your serving.

How to Make Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they’re no longer pink, turning them to ensure they brown nicely on all sides. Removing the chicken from the pan when done keeps it juicy and ready to mix with the veggies later.

Step 2: Cook the Peppers and Onions

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté them until they soften and reach your preferred tenderness while soaking up the flavors leftover from the chicken. This mixture adds a vibrant crunch and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients with Seasoning and Creams

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the mix, stirring thoroughly to coat every bite. Then, stir in the sour cream and softened cream cheese, which meld everything into a rich, tangy, dreamy filling. This step is where the magic happens, blending spiced chicken and creamy goodness seamlessly.

Step 4: Bake with Cheese on Top

Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish and generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer. This finishing touch brings the Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe to life, offering gooey, melty joy in every forkful.

How to Serve Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe

A black cast iron pan is filled with a layered dish starting with a base of cooked chicken and sliced green and red bell peppers, topped with melted bright orange cheddar cheese that covers the surface evenly. On top of the cheese, there are sliced avocado pieces arranged in a small fan shape placed near the center. Next to the avocado, a dollop of white sour cream sits slightly off-center, with a small spoonful of chunky red salsa beside it. The dish is garnished with chopped fresh green onions scattered on top and a few small cilantro leaves. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a jar of salsa and a black spoon blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your casserole servings with fresh slices of avocado or a dollop of guacamole to add some creamy freshness. A spoonful of salsa or a bit more sour cream can enhance every bite with a zesty kick and cool contrast to the warm cheesy base.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or cilantro-lime rice. If you want to extend the meal, consider serving with warm tortillas so everyone can scoop or wrap the casserole as fajita-style bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the baked casserole into halved bell peppers or small bread bowls. You could also layer it in a tortilla casserole style for a fajita lasagna effect. No matter how you serve it, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction with a fiesta of colors and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days and tastes just as delightful when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, this casserole freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container before baking, or freeze cooked leftovers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, perfect for quick dinners on busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated throughout. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered on medium power to keep the cheese melty without drying out the chicken and veggies.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are lean and still delicious when cooked properly in this casserole.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Chicken Fajitas Casserole?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even plant-based chicken substitutes. Just adjust cooking times to keep the veggies tender.

What can I use if I don’t have fajita seasoning?

Taco seasoning is a great substitute with similar spices. You can also make a simple mix using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute sour cream and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free cheese. The flavors will still come through beautifully.

How spicy is this Chicken Fajitas Casserole?

The casserole has a mild to medium spice level depending on your fajita seasoning brand or mix. You can adjust the amount or add fresh jalapeños if you prefer more heat.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Chicken Fajitas Casserole (Easy and Cheesy!) Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinners. It’s bursting with flavor, comforting with every bite, and so simple to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and cheesy, this recipe hits all the right notes. Don’t wait to give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!