Fajita Chicken Casserole

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Fajita Chicken Casserole: A Bold, Cheesy Tex-Mex Classic

The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Southwest Kick

Fajita Chicken Casserole is a rich and flavorful one-dish meal that combines everything you love about traditional chicken fajitas—spiced chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, cheesy goodness, and a base of tender rice—baked into a hot, bubbling, crave-worthy casserole. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution, ideal for family meals, potlucks, or easy meal prep. This dish is quick to assemble, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest of eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Fajita Chicken Casserole

  • Bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite
  • Minimal prep and simple ingredients
  • Easily customizable with veggies, spice, and toppings
  • A perfect make-ahead or freezer meal
  • Kid-approved and family-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this casserole, gather the following easy-to-find, pantry-friendly ingredients:

Protein & Base

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for low-carb)

Seasoning & Flavor

  • 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix – adds bold, zesty Tex-Mex flavor
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (use red, green, or yellow)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

Cheese (the melty magic)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Optional add-ins:

  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup salsa or diced tomatoes for moisture and tang

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

🔥 Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready while you assemble the casserole.

🍗 Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken

  • If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, poach or bake your chicken breasts until done.
  • Shred the meat using two forks or a hand mixer for faster prep.

Time-Saving Tip: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.

🌶️ Step 3: Sauté Peppers and Onions

  • In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil.
  • Sauté the sliced bell pepper and onion until softened (about 5–7 minutes).
  • Sprinkle in half the fajita seasoning packet to infuse the veggies with flavor.

🧀 Step 4: Mix the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Shredded chicken
  • Cooked rice
  • Sautéed peppers and onions
  • Remaining fajita seasoning mix
  • Half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses
  • Optional: black beans, corn, or salsa if using

Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated and evenly combined.

🍲 Step 5: Assemble and Bake

  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

For a bubbly, golden top: remove foil and broil for an additional 3–5 minutes, watching closely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Fajita Chicken Casserole hot, topped with:

  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Lime wedges for a citrusy finish
  • A drizzle of hot sauce if you like it spicy

Pair it with a side of tortilla chips, refried beans, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Make It Your Own: Customization Ideas

  • Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
  • Add veggies: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients
  • Swap the protein: Try cooked ground beef, turkey, or tofu
  • Kick up the heat: Use jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot salsa

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Refrigerate:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze:

Freeze the unbaked or fully cooked casserole, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheat:

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely. Try Pepper Jack for spice, or a Mexican blend for extra flavor.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes—just check your fajita seasoning packet to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole in the morning or the night before. Store covered in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Tex-Mex Favorite for Any Night of the Week

Fajita Chicken Casserole is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a flavor-packed, cheesy, and satisfying meal that combines the essence of fajitas in a hearty, baked form. With juicy chicken, sautéed veggies, bold seasoning, and lots of melted cheese, it’s everything you want in a comfort dish with a Tex-Mex twist.

Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or picky eaters, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

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