Chicken Fajita Casserole

A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Hero

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s bursting with Tex-Mex flavor and easy enough for a busy weeknight, look no further than this Chicken Fajita Casserole. It’s everything you love about sizzling fajitas—juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, onions, gooey cheese—wrapped into one cheesy, creamy, rice-filled bake. And the best part? It comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

This casserole is the perfect solution for families, meal preppers, or anyone who craves hearty comfort food with a kick. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, spice-loving adults, or entertaining friends on game night, this Chicken Fajita Casserole hits the spot. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy the evening.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Casserole

  • Easy Prep, Easy Cleanup: With only one skillet and one baking dish, cleanup is a breeze.
  • Bold Tex-Mex Flavor: The fajita seasoning, colorful peppers, and Colby Jack cheese bring all the classic fajita flavors into a cozy bake.
  • Family-Friendly: Not too spicy, but flavorful enough for grown-up palates.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or pantry staples (we’ll show you how below).
  • Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully and makes fantastic next-day lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup instant rice (like Minute Rice)
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

In a large bowl, coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the fajita seasoning. Toss well to ensure even coverage.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and toss in the diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until they begin to soften but still retain some texture.

4. Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth. Stir in the chicken stock, instant rice, 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese, cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, salt, and pepper. The mixture will be a bit liquidy—this is normal, as the rice will absorb the liquid during baking.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so everything can set up nicely.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum foil
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Tips, Swaps & Shortcuts

  • Protein Options: Swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Rice Substitute: No instant rice? Par-cooked white or brown rice works too. Just make sure it’s slightly underdone before baking.
  • Cheese Variations: Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, or use a Mexican cheese blend for more depth.
  • Vegetarian Version: Leave out the chicken and add black beans or roasted sweet potatoes for a meat-free twist.
  • Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the veggie sauté for more heat.
  • Lighter Option: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This Chicken Fajita Casserole stores incredibly well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking and bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 extra minutes.
  • Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

What to Serve with Chicken Fajita Casserole

Although this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can round it out with a few simple sides or beverages:

Side Dishes

  • A crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette
  • Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole
  • Mexican street corn (elote)
  • Black beans or refried beans

Drink Pairings

  • A cold Mexican lager or light beer
  • A refreshing margarita or paloma
  • Agua fresca or lime sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option

FAQs About Chicken Fajita Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I use regular rice instead of instant?

You can, but make sure the rice is pre-cooked or parboiled before mixing it into the casserole, or it won’t cook properly in the oven.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your fajita seasoning is gluten-free. Always double-check the labels to be safe.

Can I add beans or corn?

Yes! Add a cup of black beans or corn (drained) to the mixture before baking to bulk it up and add more Tex-Mex flair.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend are all great substitutes for Colby Jack.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is the kind of recipe that earns a regular spot in your dinner rotation. It’s vibrant, filling, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it delivers all the flavor of fajitas in a low-effort, high-reward format.

If you loved this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and family on social media, pin it for later, and leave a comment below with your favorite casserole twist. And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious, family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week. Happy cooking! 🌶️🧀🍗

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