Chicken Fajita Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

Looking for an easy, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner recipe? This Chicken Fajita Casserole is your answer! Imagine all the deliciousness of classic chicken fajitas, but baked into a warm, comforting casserole. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Juicy, seasoned chicken, tender bell peppers, savory onions, and melted cheese combine to create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, this casserole is incredibly versatile. Customize it with your favorite toppings and sides to create a meal that perfectly suits your family’s tastes. Get ready to make this recipe a regular part of your dinner rotation!

Fajitas have always been a go-to weeknight dinner option for many. They’re quick, customizable, and offer a good balance of protein and vegetables. The ability to load up on extra veggies, add beans for a fiber boost, or even skip the tortillas for a low-carb alternative makes them a winner for diverse dietary needs. But what if you could simplify the fajita experience even further?

That’s where the Chicken Fajita Casserole comes in! This recipe takes everything you love about fajitas and transforms it into an easy-to-assemble casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. It’s the classic flavors you crave, made even easier and more delicious.

This casserole is also incredibly adaptable. My husband loves adding a handful of crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping. My son enjoys his with a side of fluffy cooked rice. And I prefer to eat it as-is for a satisfying and gluten-free meal. Feel free to get creative with your own toppings! Avocado slices, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a dollop of sour cream can elevate this casserole to new heights. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Fajita Casserole

Before you start cooking, gather these simple ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Slice them lengthwise into strips to ensure they cook quickly and remain tender. Starting with raw chicken allows it to absorb the flavorful seasoning. If you’re short on time, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken, simmering it in water and fajita seasoning to infuse it with flavor. Aim for about 1 1/2 pounds of chicken.
• Bell Peppers and Onions: These are essential for that authentic fajita flavor. Use your favorite colors of bell peppers (green, red, and yellow all work well) and any type of onion (white, yellow, or red). You’ll need about 2 bell peppers and 1 large onion.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a creamy richness to the casserole and complements the other flavors perfectly. A good quality sour cream, like Daisy or Good Culture, is recommended. For a higher protein option, you can substitute Greek yogurt. Use ¾ cup.
• Salsa: A little salsa adds a zesty kick and enhances the fajita experience. Pico de gallo is a great choice for its fresh flavor, but any salsa you enjoy will work. Use ½ cup.
• Black Beans: Canned black beans add extra fiber, flavor, and texture to the casserole. Be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the mixture. Use 1 cup.
• Fajita Seasoning: You can find fajita seasoning at most grocery stores. It’s a milder version of taco seasoning, providing the perfect blend of spices for that classic fajita taste. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons or one package.
• Shredded Cheese: Any type of shredded cheese will work, but a Mexican blend cheese is a convenient and flavorful option. Use 1 ½ cups.
• Garlic: Adds depth of flavor. You’ll need 2 cloves, minced.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables. You’ll need about 2 ½ tablespoons.

See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and exact quantities.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

This easy Chicken Fajita Casserole is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite! It’s a fantastic way to feed the whole family a satisfying meal packed with protein, flavorful fajita veggies, and fiber.

It’s filling, simple to assemble, and can even be made with leftover chicken if you’re in a pinch. Serve it with brown rice or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

1. Step 1: Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the fajita seasoning and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to form a paste. Add the chicken strips and stir until they are fully coated in the seasoning mixture.
2. Step 2: Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and sear on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point.
3. Step 3: Remove the Chicken: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Remove from the heat.
5. Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, salsa, black beans, and ¾ cup of shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Mix the Sauce: Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will form the base of your delicious casserole.

Assembling and Baking the Chicken Fajita Casserole

1. Step 7: Layer the Sauce: Spread half of the sour cream and salsa mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
2. Step 8: Add the Chicken: Arrange the seared chicken strips on top of the creamy sauce layer.
3. Step 9: Top with Remaining Sauce: Spread the remaining sour cream mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Step 10: Add Vegetables and Cheese: Spread the sautéed bell peppers and onions on top of the creamy chicken layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the entire casserole.

Bake and Enjoy Your Chicken Fajita Casserole!

1. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeno, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

If you enjoyed this recipe for Chicken Fajita Casserole, please leave a 5-star review in the recipe card below or leave a comment! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner. I love seeing your creations!