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Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole
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Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and classic fajita spices. This Tex-Mex inspired casserole is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights, offering bold smoky flavors balanced by creamy textures and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Seasoning & Spices

  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Base

  • 6–8 flour tortillas, torn into pieces (or 2 cups cooked rice for gluten-free option)

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Slice the chicken into thin strips and season generously with fajita seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chicken strips until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions in the same skillet until tender yet slightly crisp.
  2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese or sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and lay down a base of torn tortillas or cooked rice. Spread half of the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the base. Spoon half of the creamy cheese mixture on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat the layers once more to create a rich, cheesy casserole.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes to set before slicing. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh bell peppers and onions to maximize flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook chicken; it will finish cooking in the oven and stay juicy.
  • Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavors in every bite.
  • Combine cheddar and Monterey Jack for meltability and sharpness.
  • Allow casserole to rest before serving so it slices cleanly and flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, chicken fajita, baked casserole, family meal, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/cheesy-chicken-fajita-casserole/