Description
This Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake brings all the zesty, smoky flavors of classic fajitas into a simple oven-baked dish. Tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese come together in a casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Easy to assemble and family-friendly, this dish is both nutritious and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
For Assembly
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. Place them in a large bowl with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the bowl with the seasoned chicken. Toss everything together so the vegetables are coated in the spices and oil.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread everything into an even layer. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, spreading the cheese evenly.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer more flavorful, juicy meat.
- For added heat, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- This casserole is also delicious served over rice or wrapped in tortillas.
- You can make it ahead and reheat; just cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish lower in fat or dairy-free, use reduced-fat cheese or omit the cheese and serve with salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
