Fajita Chicken Casserole

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Fajita Chicken Casserole

Origin of the Recipe

The Fajita Chicken Casserole is inspired by traditional Mexican fajitas, which date back to the 1930s in Texas and Northern Mexico. The word fajita comes from the Spanish word faja, meaning “strip” or “belt,” referring to the grilled strips of meat and vegetables traditionally served in tortillas. This recipe transforms classic fajitas into an easy, cheesy, oven-baked casserole, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering bold Tex-Mex flavors!

Introduction

This Fajita Chicken Casserole combines juicy, seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, melted cheese, and bold fajita spices into a creamy, baked dish. It’s a low-carb, one-pan meal that brings all the deliciousness of fajitas without the extra effort of stovetop cooking. Serve it on its own or with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a crowd-pleasing dinner!

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Chicken & Seasoning:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, toss chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté bell peppers and onions for about 4-5 minutes until slightly tender.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), heavy cream, and lime juice until smooth.
  2. Stir in half the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread half of the sautéed veggies into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  2. Layer the partially cooked chicken on top.
  3. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken.
  4. Top with the remaining sautéed vegetables and shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake & Serve

  1. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or extra lime wedges.

Description

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a cheesy, creamy, and slightly spicy dish packed with Tex-Mex flavors. The tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese make every bite satisfying. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that can be served on its own or with rice, tortillas, or a fresh side salad!

Tips for Success

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken strips.
  • Make It Spicier: Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of tortillas or regular rice.
  • Use Different Cheeses: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend also work great.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 420
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 720mg

(Values are approximate and depend on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short bursts.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

4. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.

5. Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Swap chicken for thinly sliced steak or ground beef for a variation.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with warm tortillas for DIY fajita tacos.
  • Pair with Spanish rice or refried beans for a heartier meal.
  • Top with avocado slices, sour cream, or pico de gallo for extra flavor.

Related Recipes

For more Tex-Mex favorites, check out:

Conclusion

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a delicious, cheesy, and easy-to-make meal that brings all the classic flavors of fajitas into a comforting, oven-baked dish. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want a flavorful, low-carb dinner, this dish is a must-try. Make it tonight and enjoy Tex-Mex flavors in a whole new way! 🌮🧀🔥

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