If you’re craving something comforting, packed with vibrant flavors, and easy to whip up, this Chicken Fajita Casserole is where your kitchen adventures begin. It combines tender, seasoned chicken with colorful bell peppers and onions, hearty black beans, and a melty blanket of cheddar cheese all baked together with crispy tortilla strips. This dish brings the joyful spirit of fajitas into a cozy, sliceable casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd without fussing over multiple pans. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Fajita Casserole, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals that’s irresistible every single time.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your hands on these simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create a dish bursting with texture, zest, and warmth. Each element plays its role in layering flavors—from the smoky spices on the chicken to the satisfying crunch of tortilla strips and the creamy richness of melted cheese.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein; easily shreds once cooked for perfect casserole layers.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle richness.
1 medium onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened with the peppers.
2 medium bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green): Brings vibrant color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts a warm, savory undertone to the chicken.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Delivers authentic fajita spice and mild heat.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky aroma that complements the other spices.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances all flavors.
6 pieces corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips: Provides crispy texture when baked with the filling.
15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings creaminess and an extra boost of protein and fiber.
10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds juicy, tangy brightness with a hint of spice.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, cheesy topping that brings everything together beautifully.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Sauté Your Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness comes alive. This step creates the flavorful vegetable base your casserole will build upon, so let those colors and aromas fill your kitchen!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While your veggies are cooking, generously season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Once the peppers and onions are ready, nestle the chicken into the skillet to cook for 8 to 10 minutes. The spices will form a delicious crust as the chicken cooks through, locking in juicy, tender flavor that’s essential for this Chicken Fajita Casserole.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Combine Ingredients

Take the cooked chicken off the heat and let it cool just enough to handle. Shred the chicken using two forks for that perfect texture to meld with the rest of the casserole. In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tortilla strips. Mix everything together so every bite is packed with vibrant flavor and texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish for easy serving and cleanup. Spread your chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the dish. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top—don’t be shy here, cheese makes everything better! Slide your casserole into the oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once baked, allow the Chicken Fajita Casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period lets the layers settle so it cuts neatly and all those wonderful flavors fully meld together. Then get ready to dig into this cozy, zesty delight that’s sure to please every palate at the table.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole

Garnishes

One of the joys of Chicken Fajita Casserole is how easy it is to personalize with garnishes. A dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a few slices of ripe avocado can add creaminess and brightness. If you like a bit of tang, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving awakens all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides simple but complementary: a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, or serve alongside fluffy Spanish rice or warm refried beans for a heartier meal that keeps the fiesta vibe going strong. Crisp tortilla chips also add delightful crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your Chicken Fajita Casserole to the next level, consider mini cast iron skillets for individual servings at your dinner party. You can also wrap leftovers in warm tortillas for quick fajita-style sandwiches the next day. Either way, this dish’s versatility means it’ll shine however you choose to present it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Fajita Casserole keeps fabulously in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store leftovers tightly covered to maintain moisture and prevent the tortillas from drying out. When ready, you have a quick meal that reheats easily without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect batch-cook option. Wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container before popping into the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated directly from frozen for convenience on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, bake leftovers covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly—usually about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave portions on high for a couple minutes, stirring if needed, for a quick warm-up that doesn’t compromise the dish’s deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking so it cooks evenly and shreds nicely for the casserole filling.

What if I don’t like spicy foods?

You can adjust or omit the chili powder and diced tomatoes with green chilies to control the heat level. This dish is very flexible to your taste preferences.

Can I substitute the black beans with another type of bean?

Yes, pinto or kidney beans work well too. Just ensure they’re drained and rinsed before mixing into the casserole.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic here, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or a Mexican cheese blend for added melty goodness.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks or feeding a family with ease.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is one of those special recipes you’ll want to keep on rotation. It’s flavorful, fuss-free, and so satisfying, perfect whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends. Once you’ve experienced the blend of tender chicken, sautéed veggies, beans, tangy tomatoes, and melted cheese, you’ll understand why this dish stands out. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, welcoming casserole that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and comforting one-dish meal inspired by classic fajita ingredients. It features tender shredded chicken seasoned with aromatic spices, sautéed bell peppers and onions, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and crispy tortilla strips, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole combines the vibrant tastes of fajitas into a convenient, family-friendly entree.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole once assembled.
Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness.
Season and cook chicken: While the veggies are cooking, season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers.
Combine filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tortilla strips. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top evenly.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Notes

You can use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference or dietary needs.
For added heat, consider sprinkling some cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños into the filling before baking.
If you prefer a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend.
To make it gluten-free, ensure tortillas are labeled gluten-free and check all canned ingredients for gluten-containing additives.
This casserole can be prepared a day in advance; assemble it and refrigerate before baking.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican-American