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.
Ingredients
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
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