This Cheesy Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, oven-baked dish packed with juicy chicken, tender bell peppers, onions, bold fajita spices, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Everything bakes together in one pan for maximum flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fajita Base
- 800 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (green & red), sliced
- 1 cup fajita or taco sauce (or salsa)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Cheesy Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup corn
- ½ cup black beans
- Jalapeño slices (for heat)
Preparing the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a large bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated with seasoning.
Assembling the Casserole
Lightly grease a large baking dish or aluminum tray (like the one in the image).
Spread the seasoned chicken evenly across the bottom. Add sliced onions and bell peppers on top. Pour the fajita sauce evenly over everything and gently mix to combine.
Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Baking the Fajita Casserole
Bake covered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered.
Bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch closely.
Resting and Serving
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
Serve hot with:
- Rice or Mexican rice
- Tortillas or wraps
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh salad or guacamole
Flavor Variations
- Creamy version: Mix ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce
- Spicy fajitas: Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños
- Low-carb: Skip rice and serve with lettuce wraps
- Extra smoky: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder
Tips for Best Results
- Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
- Don’t overbake after adding cheese
- Let rest before serving for best texture
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in a skillet over medium heat.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole delivers all the bold flavors of classic fajitas in an easy, comforting baked dish. Juicy chicken, colorful peppers, rich sauce, and melty cheese come together in a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit. 🌮🧀🔥