This Chicken Fajita Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a zesty twist! It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with all the vibrant flavors of a classic fajita—perfect for a quick family dinner or a fun meal to serve at a get-together. This casserole brings together tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, savory seasonings, and a gooey cheese topping that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup cooked rice (or 1 cup pasta, cooked)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
½ cup sour cream
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup salsa
1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice (or pasta), sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, fajita seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Gently fold in the sautéed bell peppers and onions.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve with tortillas or tortilla chips for an extra touch!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
Meat options: Feel free to substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork if you're in the mood for a different protein.
Add veggies: Try adding corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Spice it up: If you love extra heat, add more cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
Dairy alternatives: You can substitute the sour cream and cream cheese with dairy-free options for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
I recommend using cooked, shredded chicken for the best results, but you could cook the chicken in the skillet first, shred it, and then proceed with the recipe.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild heat from the fajita seasoning and cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the level of spice to your liking. Feel free to omit the cayenne pepper or add more for extra kick!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cheddar or Mexican blend for any cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of parmesan for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal with a bit of a zesty twist. With a creamy filling, tender chicken, and a cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I love how easy it is to make and how customizable the recipe can be depending on what I have on hand. Whether I’m serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this casserole always hits the spot.
Recipe:
Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey cheese with a zesty fajita seasoning twist. Perfect for quick family dinners or casual get-togethers, this creamy, cheesy casserole is sure to become a new favorite. With customizable options for meat, veggies, and spice levels, it's an easy, versatile dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup cooked rice (or 1 cup pasta, cooked)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
½ cup sour cream
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup salsa
1 tbsp fajita seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions until soft and caramelized.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice (or pasta), sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, fajita seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Gently fold in the sautéed bell peppers and onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving with tortillas or tortilla chips.
Notes
Substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or shredded pork for a different flavor.
Add extra veggies like corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes for added texture.
Adjust spice levels to your preference by adding more cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
For a lighter version, use dairy-free substitutes for sour cream and cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Meal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
