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Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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3.8 from 9 reviews

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious and easy one-dish meal featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts baked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and melted Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese. The dish combines classic fajita flavors with the convenience of a casserole, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it delivers vibrant taste with minimal fuss.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Spices and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Protein

  • 2 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 red onion, sliced into strips
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, divided

Dairy

  • 1 cup Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Get Prepped: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with some olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1 teaspoon of cumin, mixing them well to create a flavorful spice blend.
  3. Slice Vegetables: Cut the red, green, and yellow bell peppers into strips of similar size and slice the red onion into matching pieces for even cooking.
  4. Season Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a large bowl, drizzle with half of the olive oil (1 tablespoon), and toss to coat the chicken evenly. Sprinkle half of the spice blend over the chicken and mix to distribute the seasoning well.
  5. Arrange Chicken: Transfer the seasoned chicken strips into the greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly as the base layer.
  6. Season Vegetables: In another large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers and onion. Add the remaining olive oil and the rest of the spice blend, mixing thoroughly to coat all the vegetables.
  7. Add Vegetables to Dish: Layer the seasoned vegetables over the chicken in the baking dish, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle half of the chopped cilantro over the top for fresh flavor.
  8. Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese on top of the vegetables.
  9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cilantro on top for a fresh finish, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy your hearty chicken fajita casserole.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier casserole.
  • Use your favorite cheese blend if desired, such as pepper jack for extra spice.
  • For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese overall.
  • Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American