Fajita Chicken Casserole 🌶️🧀
If you love the sizzling flavor of fajitas but want the cozy ease of a casserole, this Fajita Chicken Casserole is your new favorite weeknight dinner. Loaded with shredded chicken, fajita-seasoned veggies, melty cheese, and rice, it’s a one-pan wonder that delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy nights, family meals, or potluck sharing, this dish is as hearty as it is easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the bold flavors of classic fajitas—smoky spices, tender chicken, sweet peppers—and turns them into a creamy, cheesy, bake-and-serve casserole. It’s great for using up leftover chicken or rice, and can easily be prepped ahead of time.
Plus, it’s super flexible. Want to go low-carb? Skip the rice. Love it spicy? Add jalapeños. It’s a dinner hero in disguise.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Extra sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Cooked rice
- Fajita seasoning
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Sautéed peppers and onions
- Half of each cheese
Mix everything until fully combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted to golden perfection.
6. Garnish and Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped cilantro or an extra dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Cook rice in advance or use microwave pouches for a quick shortcut.
- Customize the heat by adding cayenne, chili flakes, or hot salsa.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate before baking—just add 5 extra minutes to bake time.
- Low-carb version: Skip the rice and add extra peppers.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This casserole is delicious on its own or served with:
- Tortilla chips for scooping
- A fresh green salad or Mexican slaw
- Beer Cheese Dip for the ultimate Tex-Mex side
- Walking Taco Bar if you’re feeding a crowd
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fajita feast
- Totchos because more cheese and toppings = more joy
- Dorito Casserole for a cheesy cousin that’s equally crave-worthy
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until hot.
More Tex-Mex Recipes You’ll Love
- Dorito Casserole – loaded and ultra cheesy
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – perfect for sharing
- Walking Taco Bar – fun for parties and kids
- Totchos – crispy, cheesy, loaded goodness
- Beer Cheese Dip – great with chips or veggies
Final Thoughts
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is bold, creamy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor—everything you love about fajitas, baked into a dish the whole table will devour. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights easy and delicious.
If you try it, leave a comment with your favorite add-ins or spice tweaks. And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more cozy casseroles, crowd-pleasers, and dinner wins.
Leave a Reply