Creamy Chicken Fajitas casserole
A rich, cheesy, and comforting casserole packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning, and a creamy cheese sauce. This family-friendly dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
⏱ Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fajita Seasoning
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Creamy Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions
- Jalapeño slices
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sour cream
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove from skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet sauté onions and peppers for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook another minute.
Step 4: Season
- Add the fajita seasoning.
- Stir until everything is coated.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
In a large bowl combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Heavy cream
- Salsa
Mix until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble
Fold together:
- Chicken
- Vegetables
- Cream sauce
- Half of both cheeses
Transfer to prepared baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve
Rest for 5 minutes.
Top with cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, or lime juice.
Serve with:
- Mexican rice
- Tortillas
- Tortilla chips
- Cauliflower rice
- Fresh salad
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Calcium: 25% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
🌰 Nut Information
Contains Nuts?
- ❌ No peanuts
- ❌ No tree nuts
Contains Common Allergens
- ✅ Milk (cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, sour cream, heavy cream)
- ❌ Eggs
- ❌ Soy (unless present in packaged cheese or seasoning)
- ❌ Fish
- ❌ Shellfish
- ❌ Peanuts
- ❌ Tree Nuts
- ❌ Sesame (unless included in seasoning)
Gluten Information
- Naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free fajita seasoning and salsa.
💡 Tips
- Rotisserie chicken saves time.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
- Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick.
- For a low-carb version, skip tortilla chips and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)
Q1: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q2: Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs stay especially juicy.
Q3: Is it spicy?
Only mildly spicy. Omit the cayenne for a milder version or add extra jalapeños for more heat.
Q4: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q5: What cheese works best?
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides the best flavor and melt, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack also work well.
Q6: What should I serve with it?
Mexican rice, cilantro-lime rice, tortillas, tortilla chips, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad all pair well.
Q7: Can I make it keto-friendly?
Yes. Use a low-carb salsa and serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own.
Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
