If you love chicken fajitas but want something a little cozier and easier to prepare, this Chicken Fajita Casserole is calling your name. It’s got all the classic ingredients—tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, spices, and gooey cheese—layered into one delicious bake.
It’s the perfect weeknight dinner: simple prep, one pan, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
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3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 large onion, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
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½ cup sour cream (optional)
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
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Tortilla chips, rice, or tortillas, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions and bell peppers, cook until slightly softened (about 5–7 minutes).
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Add garlic, stir and cook for 1 more minute.
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Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your baking dish.
3. Cook the Chicken:
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In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and cook the chicken strips until lightly browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked—just seared).
4. Season & Combine:
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Add lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the chicken.
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Toss everything together, then layer the chicken over the veggies in the baking dish.
5. Bake:
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Sprinkle with shredded cheese on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional Toppings & Add-Ins:
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A dollop of sour cream
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A squeeze of fresh lime
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Sliced avocado or guacamole
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Chopped jalapeños for heat
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Black beans or corn mixed into the casserole
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Chicken Fajita Casserole:
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With warm tortillas or over rice
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Scooped onto crispy tortilla chips for fajita nachos
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Alongside a green salad for a lighter option
Why You’ll Love This Casserole:
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✅ One dish, easy cleanup
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✅ Kid- and crowd-friendly
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✅ Can be prepped ahead & reheated
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✅ Customizable with your favorite fajita toppings
Make It Ahead & Store
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and store it covered in the fridge up to 1 day before baking.
Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze before baking (without cheese), then thaw and bake fresh when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Casserole brings together everything you love about fajitas—minus the stovetop juggling and last-minute stress. Cheesy, savory, and customizable, it’s a perfect solution for easy weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.