Description

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and comforting oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a blend of classic fajita spices. Topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a quick and easy casserole perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (split lengthwise) or chicken thigh

Vegetables

3 bell peppers (red, yellow or green, seeded and sliced into strips)
1 large yellow onion (or two medium onions or white onion, sliced)

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon cumin powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Other

1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz Jack cheese (shredded) or cheddar or Havarti (about 2 cups)
Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the lower middle part of the oven. If your oven has a convection or forced air setting, turn it on for even cooking.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the split chicken breasts in a single, even layer in the prepared dish.
Add the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle half of the fajita seasoning mixture on top of the chicken.
Add the Vegetables: Spread the sliced onions and bell peppers evenly over the chicken breasts. Then sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning evenly over the vegetables.
Bake in the Oven: Generously top the layered ingredients with the shredded cheese. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (check with an instant-read thermometer).
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
If you prefer, use cheddar or Havarti cheese instead of Jack cheese.
Using a convection oven helps cook the casserole more evenly and can slightly reduce cooking time.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked without drying it out.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: Chicken Fajita Casserole, baked chicken, fajita seasoning, casserole recipe, easy chicken dinner, Mexican casserole