Description
This Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with the comforting warmth of a cheesy baked dish. Featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, classic fajita seasoning, and melted cheese layered with tortillas, it’s an easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The casserole balances vibrant spices and cozy textures, making it a crowd-pleasing, versatile, and satisfying recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- Optional: corn kernels, black beans, or diced tomatoes for extra fillings
Seasoning & Spices
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Base & Liquids
- 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Slice the chicken into thin strips and season well with fajita spices. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chicken until nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and in the same pan, cook sliced onions and mixed bell peppers until they soften but remain slightly crisp.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a casserole dish and layer the tortillas or your chosen base first. Add a mixture of chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a hearty layer of cheese on top.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Pour chicken broth evenly over the casserole to keep it moist. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beginning to turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and optionally squeeze lime wedges over the top before serving to add brightness and freshness to the rich flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices like cumin and chili powder for a more vibrant fajita flavor.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; keep bell peppers slightly crisp for texture contrast.
- Ensure tortillas are slightly softened to absorb moisture but avoid sogginess.
- Allow the casserole to rest before slicing to enhance flavor melding and make serving easier.
- For an extra bubbly cheesy crust, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: fajita, chicken casserole, Tex-Mex, baked casserole, cheesy bake, family dinner, meal prep, easy recipe, one-dish meal