Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The fajita seasoning and creamy sauce add a delightful burst of flavor that complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.
Customizable: You can use different cheeses or swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day and are perfect for wraps or serving over cauliflower rice or veggies.
One-Pan Meal: This casserole brings everything together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole:

2 large chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, cut into cubes
2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), seeded and sliced into strips
1 medium onion, minced
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup tomato sauce (marinara, crushed tomatoes, or your favorite)
1/4 cup chicken stock (or substitute water + 1 teaspoon instant bouillon)
1 packet fajita seasoning (or homemade blend)
1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, cheddar)
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Fajita Sauce

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, tomato sauce, chicken stock, half the fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining fajita seasoning and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Veggies

Pour the creamy fajita mixture over the chicken and stir well to coat all the pieces. Arrange the bell pepper strips and minced onion evenly over the top.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the veggies.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Optional: Broil for 2 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy cheese topping.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over cauliflower rice, steamed veggies, zucchini noodles, or enjoy as-is. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

DIY Fajita Seasoning: Mix 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a homemade version.
Swap Chicken Breasts for Thighs: For extra juiciness and flavor, swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Cheese Variations: Try using Pepper Jack for added heat, cheddar for richness, or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a creamy, melty top.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.

storage/reheating

Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the casserole feels too dry.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking for even cooking and food safety.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve it with rice, quinoa, or zucchini noodles, or enjoy it with a side salad for a light meal.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Definitely! You can use cheddar, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

Can I add more spice to this dish?

Yes, if you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or some sliced jalapeños to the casserole.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in some mushrooms, spinach, or even corn for added flavor and texture.

How can I make this dish lighter?

To reduce the richness, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese. You can also use a lighter cheese or reduce the amount used.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger casserole. Be sure to use a bigger baking dish and increase the baking time if necessary.

Conclusion

Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will impress with its creamy, cheesy goodness and satisfying combination of chicken, peppers, and a spicy fajita sauce. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole combines juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, creamy fajita sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking dish.
Prepare the Fajita Sauce: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, tomato sauce, chicken stock, half the fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Prepare the Chicken: Add cubed chicken to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining fajita seasoning and toss to coat evenly.
Add the Sauce and Veggies: Pour the creamy fajita mixture over the chicken and stir well to coat all pieces. Arrange bell pepper strips and minced onion evenly on top.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the veggies.
Bake: Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Optionally, broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
Serve: Serve hot over cauliflower rice, steamed veggies, or enjoy as-is. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

For a homemade fajita seasoning, mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.

Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result.

Try different cheeses like Pepper Jack for extra heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Add more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 90mg