Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, so they’re a great swap if you prefer a little extra richness in your casserole.

How can I keep the chicken from drying out?

Coat the chicken with oil and seasoning thoroughly, and don’t overbake. Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F) is always your best bet for juicy results.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack melt beautifully and give you that signature gooey finish. Feel free to use your favorite or a combination for extra depth.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to the cheese, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed and add a couple of extra minutes if it goes straight from fridge to oven.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

Description

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious, one-pan meal combining juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with colorful bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese. It’s a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, providing all the flavors of classic fajitas in a fuss-free casserole format.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

1 1/2 pounds (680 g) chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Vegetables

2 medium bell peppers, cut into strips
1 medium yellow onion, sliced

For Topping

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your casserole.
Season the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle with vegetable oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Use your hands to distribute the seasoning thoroughly over the chicken.
Layer the Vegetables and Cheese – Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onions evenly over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle a bit more fajita seasoning if desired, then top the entire mixture with shredded cheese to cover.
Bake – Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve – Remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
For extra flavor, add sliced jalapeños or use a blend of cheeses.
Leftovers reheat well and can be used as filling for wraps or tacos.
Make sure not to overbake the chicken to keep it tender.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 110mg