Description
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of bold Tex-Mex flavors and creamy, cheesy comfort. Loaded with juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and zesty spices, it’s an easy one-dish meal your whole family will love. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this casserole is customizable, low-carb-friendly, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (sliced into strips)
- 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado
For Assembling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (to coat chicken and vegetables)
- Cooking spray or oil (to grease the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. - Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell peppers and onion into uniform strips. - Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Season the Ingredients:
- Toss the chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil and half the seasoning mix in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, toss the vegetables with the remaining olive oil and seasoning mix.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the seasoned chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer the seasoned bell peppers and onions over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Add dollops of sour cream across the surface for extra creaminess.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. Serve with tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
- To make it a one-dish meal, mix cooked rice or quinoa into the casserole before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6th of the casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg