Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors? This Fajita Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution! Made with tender shredded chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, creamy sour cream, melted cheese, and a kick of fajita seasoning, this dish brings the sizzle of classic fajitas into a comforting baked casserole.

Not only is this recipe incredibly simple to make, but it also requires minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a make-ahead meal for meal prep, this cheesy fajita casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Uses simple ingredients and takes minimal time to prepare.

One-Dish Meal – Everything bakes in one dish for easy cleanup.
Packed with Flavor – A perfect mix of spicy, cheesy, and creamy goodness.
Great for Meal Prep – Can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week.

Family-Friendly – A comforting dish that both kids and adults will love.
Customizable – Easy to adjust to your taste preferences.

If you love classic fajitas but want something easier to prepare, this chicken fajita casserole will become your new go-to meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded – The base of the casserole.
1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix – Adds bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced – Brings classic fajita flavor and texture.

1 onion, sliced – Enhances the flavor and adds a nice crunch.
1 cup cooked rice – Makes the dish hearty and filling.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds rich, melty goodness.

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Brings a creamy texture and mild flavor.
1 cup sour cream – Creates a creamy, tangy base.
1/2 cup salsa – Adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing together the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large bowl, combine:

Shredded chicken

Cooked rice
Fajita seasoning mix
Sour cream

Salsa
Sautéed peppers and onions
Half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses

Mix well until everything is evenly coated with seasoning and combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro or an extra dollop of sour cream for added freshness.

This dish pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or a side of black beans and rice.

Variations & Add-Ins

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to customize your Fajita Chicken Casserole:

Make It Spicier – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for heat.
Use Different Proteins – Swap out chicken for ground beef, shredded pork, or shrimp.
Low-Carb Version – Replace the rice with cauliflower rice.

Add Beans – Mix in black beans or pinto beans for extra protein.
Tortilla Topping – Crumble tortilla chips on top for added crunch.
Extra Veggies – Stir in corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrients.

This recipe is highly flexible, making it easy to adjust based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Tips for the Best Fajita Chicken Casserole

Use Rotisserie Chicken – A great time-saver that adds extra flavor.
Don’t Overbake – Too much time in the oven can dry out the casserole.

Let It Rest – Allowing the casserole to cool slightly helps the flavors meld.
Shred Cheese Fresh – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltability.
Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole ahead of time, then bake when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake as directed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as usual.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with guacamole, salsa, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free fajita seasoning mix and ensure your salsa is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. With its bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and easy preparation, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to be a favorite at your dinner table.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this recipe is a winner. Try it out and let us know how you liked it!

Fajita Chicken Casserole

Author: Diana Carrozza

Print Recipe

Description

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings all the bold flavors of fajitas into an easy, baked casserole. Tender shredded chicken is combined with sautéed peppers and onions, fajita seasoning, rice, sour cream, salsa, and two types of cheese for a comforting and delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish wonder is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with tortilla chips or a fresh salad!

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix

1 bell pepper (any color), sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 cup cooked rice

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup salsa

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the bell pepper and onion until tender, about 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, fajita seasoning, sour cream, salsa, sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheeses. Mix well.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh salad.

Notes

Chicken Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
Rice Options: Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack or a Mexican blend for extra flavor.

Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve!

Fajita Chicken Casserole: A Cheesy, Flavor-Packed Dinner