Chicken Fajita Casserole

This colorful chicken fajita casserole transforms the bold flavors of classic Tex-Mex fajitas into an easy, oven-baked one-pan meal. Juicy seasoned chicken, tender peppers and onions, and a blanket of melted cheese come together for a comforting yet vibrant dinner. It’s a simple, protein-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True one-pan convenience – Everything cooks in a single oven-safe skillet for minimal cleanup.
Bold Tex-Mex flavor – Fajita seasoning, lime juice, and sautéed vegetables create bright, savory depth.
High-protein, satisfying meal – Lean chicken and melted cheese provide lasting fullness.
Naturally gluten-free friendly – Easy to keep gluten-free depending on seasoning and sides used.
Customizable heat and toppings – Adjust spice levels and serve with favorite Tex-Mex garnishes.
Great for leftovers and meal prep – Reheats well while maintaining flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken and Vegetables

1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips – Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs seasoning well.
2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced – Provide sweetness, color contrast, and classic fajita texture.
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced – Adds extra brightness and mild flavor balance.
1 large onion, sliced – Contributes savory sweetness and depth when sautéed.

Seasoning and Sauce

2 tablespoons fajita seasoning – Delivers signature Tex-Mex spice and smokiness.
1 cup chicken broth – Keeps the casserole moist and enhances savory flavor.
Juice of 1 lime – Adds acidity that brightens and balances richness.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing and flavor development.

Topping and Garnish

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – Melts into a bubbly, golden topping with creamy richness.
Fresh cilantro, chopped – Provides a fresh herbal finish before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the chicken – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and toss sliced chicken with fajita seasoning until evenly coated.

Sauté the vegetables – Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and cook peppers and onions for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened and lightly caramelized.

Combine chicken and liquids – Add seasoned chicken to the skillet along with chicken broth and lime juice, stirring to distribute evenly, and cook for about 5 minutes.

Add the cheese topping – Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the surface to fully cover the mixture.

Bake until bubbly – Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Rest and garnish – Let the casserole sit for 3–4 minutes, then finish with fresh cilantro and serve with desired accompaniments.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Marinate for deeper flavor – Let chicken sit in seasoning for up to 2 hours before cooking.
Use chicken thighs for juiciness – Dark meat stays tender and flavorful with slightly longer cooking.
Control spice level easily – Add jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat, or reduce seasoning for mild taste.
Avoid overcooking chicken – Bake just until 165°F to keep meat tender.
Let it rest briefly – Resting helps juices redistribute and improves texture.
Serve with varied bases – Works over rice, cauliflower rice, or inside tortillas.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 hearty main-dish portions
Calories: Approximately 380–450 per serving (varies by cheese blend and portion size)

Perfect Pairings

Warm corn or flour tortillas – Turn the casserole into classic fajitas.
Fresh guacamole or sliced avocado – Adds creamy contrast and healthy fats.
Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice – Completes a balanced Tex-Mex plate.
Cool sour cream or Greek yogurt – Offsets spice with tangy richness.

Ideal Occasions

Busy weeknight dinners – Quick prep and hands-off baking make it practical.
Family-style meals – Easy to portion and serve straight from the skillet.
Casual gatherings or potlucks – Crowd-pleasing flavors travel well.
Low-carb meal planning – Simple to pair with vegetable-based sides.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate up to 4 days – Store in airtight containers for freshness.
Reheat in oven or microwave – Warm gently to keep chicken tender and cheese creamy.
Freeze without toppings if possible – Add fresh cheese after thawing for best texture.
Garnish just before serving – Fresh cilantro and lime revive reheated portions.

Creative Variations to Try

Add black beans or corn – Boosts fiber and Southwestern flavor.
Swap protein to shrimp or steak – Creates new fajita-style versions.
Use pepper jack cheese – Introduces extra spice and creaminess.
Turn into a low-carb bake – Serve over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Chicken turns dry – Reduce bake time or switch to chicken thighs.
Excess liquid in pan – Simmer mixture longer before baking to reduce broth.
Cheese browns too quickly – Tent loosely with foil during baking.
Bland flavor – Increase fajita seasoning, lime juice, or salt slightly.

Why This Recipe Works

Chicken fajita casserole succeeds by combining high-heat sautéing with gentle oven baking to preserve moisture while developing flavor. Browning vegetables first concentrates their natural sugars, while lime juice balances the richness of melted cheese. The covered baking environment allows chicken to cook evenly in seasoned juices, preventing dryness and creating a cohesive Tex-Mex profile. With lean protein, moderate fat, and vegetable content, the dish offers satisfying flavor at a reasonable calorie level for a cheesy main course.

Final Thoughts

This chicken fajita casserole delivers everything people love about sizzling fajitas in a simpler, family-friendly format. Its balance of protein, vegetables, and bold seasoning makes it both comforting and versatile, while easy substitutions allow for lighter or spicier variations. Whether served for a quick dinner or shared at a gathering, it’s a dependable recipe packed with color, flavor, and satisfying nutrition.