Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole combining tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, fajita seasoning, and a creamy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, layered with soft flour tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make Tex-Mex inspired dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, and meal prepping with customizable options to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Spices
- 2–3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional, for creaminess)
Other
- 6 flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prep and cook the chicken: Slice the chicken into thin strips and season generously with fajita seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Using the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened but still slightly crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sour cream or cream cheese in the bottom of a baking dish if desired. Layer tortillas on the bottom, then half of the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining chicken and veggies, and top with more cheese.
- Bake to bubbly perfection: Cover casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Pre-cook the chicken thoroughly to ensure even cooking and juicy bites.
- Do not over-sauté veggies; keep some crunch for better texture contrast.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavor in each serving.
- Let casserole rest before serving to meld flavors and ease slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken fajita casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, baked fajita dish, easy family dinner, meal prep casserole
