Chicken Fajita Casserole: Bold Tex-Mex Comfort Baked to Perfection
If there’s one dish that effortlessly brings together weeknight convenience, crowd-pleasing flavor, and comfort-food satisfaction, it’s Chicken Fajita Casserole. This recipe captures everything you love about sizzling chicken fajitas—tender seasoned chicken, sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese—and transforms it into a cozy, oven-baked casserole that practically serves itself.
Unlike traditional stovetop fajitas that demand constant attention, this casserole version lets the oven do the heavy lifting. It’s hearty without being heavy, bold without being overpowering, and flexible enough to suit picky eaters or adventurous spice lovers alike. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping meals ahead of time, or hosting a casual dinner with friends, Chicken Fajita Casserole fits right in.
This dish is especially loved because it balances protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs all in one pan. No juggling multiple skillets. No last-minute scrambling. Just layers of flavor baked together into a satisfying, scoopable meal that tastes even better the next day.
Why Chicken Fajita Casserole Works So Well
The magic of this recipe lies in how each component supports the others. Chicken breast stays juicy thanks to the surrounding vegetables and seasoning. Bell peppers release natural sweetness as they roast, while onions soften into savory perfection. Cheese melts into every crevice, binding everything together in the most comforting way possible.
Baking fajitas as a casserole also allows flavors to deepen. Spices bloom slowly in the oven, tortillas soak up seasoned juices, and the top develops irresistible golden edges that make every serving feel indulgent.
From a practical standpoint, it’s a one-dish dinner, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup—always a win.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 teaspoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 small flour tortillas, cut into strips
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, salsa
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced chicken with olive oil, fajita seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the bowl and mix well so the vegetables are fully seasoned.
- Spread half of the tortilla strips evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Layer half of the chicken and vegetable mixture over the tortillas.
- Spoon half of the sour cream evenly over the chicken layer, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheeses.
- Repeat the layers with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, sour cream, and cheese.
- Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and desired toppings.
Make-It-Your-Own Variations
One of the best things about Chicken Fajita Casserole is how adaptable it is.
Low-Carb Option:
Skip the tortillas entirely and add extra peppers or zucchini for a lighter version.
Spicy Kick:
Add chipotle powder, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce between layers.
Creamier Texture:
Mix the sour cream with a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.
Protein Swap:
This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, beef strips, or even rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole with a side of cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. It also pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips for scooping, making it perfect for casual gatherings or game nights.
Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be wrapped in tortillas for next-day burritos or spooned over rice for an entirely new meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish covered in the oven until heated through.
A Little Tex-Mex Inspiration
Fajitas have long been a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, traditionally cooked over open flames and served sizzling hot. This casserole version pays homage to those bold flavors while adapting them for modern kitchens and busy schedules—proof that comfort food can evolve without losing its soul.
Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- Season chicken with oil and spices, then toss with peppers and onions.
- Layer tortillas, chicken mixture, sour cream, and cheese in the dish.
- Repeat layers and cover with foil.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest briefly before serving and garnish as desired.
