This Fajita Chicken Casserole is cheesy, creamy, colorful, and packed with classic fajita flavor! Tender seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, creamy sauce, and melted cheese come together in one comforting, family-friendly casserole.
Ingredients
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
For the Chicken
2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
1 cup sour cream
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lime juice
Optional Toppings
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced green onions
Diced avocado
Fresh lime wedges
Sliced jalapeños
Salsa or pico de gallo
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Cook the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers.
Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still have some texture.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet.
Stir until the cream cheese melts and creates a smooth sauce.
Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream and lime juice.
- Assemble the Casserole
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese is completely melted.
For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Top with cilantro, green onions, avocado, jalapeños, salsa, or fresh lime if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with:
Cauliflower rice
Regular rice
Warm tortillas
Corn
Black beans
Green salad
Avocado salad
Roasted vegetables
Fresh pico de gallo
For a low-carb meal, serve it with cauliflower rice, lettuce, avocado, or a simple green salad.
Helpful Tips
Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
Don’t overcook the chicken before baking because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
Don’t boil the sour cream sauce, as high heat can cause it to separate.
Add jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Easy Substitutions
Chicken
Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
Cheese
Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Sour Cream
Plain Greek yogurt can replace sour cream.
Vegetables
Use any combination of bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
Make It Spicy
Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, chipotle seasoning, or hot sauce.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: ~540
Protein: ~55 g
Carbohydrates: ~10 g
Fat: ~30 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugar: ~5 g
Sodium: ~750–900 mg
Nutrition is approximate and varies depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nut & Allergen Information
Peanuts
No peanuts are intentionally included in this recipe.
Tree Nuts
No tree nuts are intentionally included in this recipe.
Dairy
Contains dairy from:
Sour cream
Cream cheese
Shredded cheese
For dairy-free preparation, use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Gluten
The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but seasonings, broth, cheese, and other packaged ingredients can contain gluten or have cross-contact.
For strict gluten-free preparation, use certified gluten-free products and check all labels.
Soy
Some processed cheeses and packaged seasonings may contain soy. Check labels if soy is an allergy concern.
Egg
There are no eggs intentionally included in the recipe.
Other Common Allergens
Always check packaged ingredients such as chicken broth, seasoning blends, cream cheese, and shredded cheese for manufacturer allergen statements.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool, then place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerator: 3–4 days.
Freezer: Up to 2 months.
For best texture, freeze individual portions rather than freezing the entire casserole.
Reheating
Microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring or rotating halfway through.
For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.
Q&A
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Skip the chicken-cooking step and simply mix the cooked chicken with the vegetables and sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are flavorful and work well in this casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes directly from the refrigerator to the oven.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess water from making the casserole watery.
Can I make it low-carb?
Yes. The casserole itself is relatively low in carbohydrates. Serve it with cauliflower rice or a green salad instead of regular rice or tortillas.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
How can I make it spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or Pepper Jack cheese.
Why is my casserole watery?
Extra moisture can come from vegetables, frozen ingredients, or too much broth. Cook vegetables until some of their moisture evaporates and don’t add more broth than the recipe calls for.
Can I add rice?
Yes. Add about 2 cups cooked rice to the chicken mixture before transferring it to the casserole dish.
Can I add beans?
Yes. Black beans or pinto beans make a hearty addition. Drain and rinse canned beans before adding them.
Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes. You can replace the cream cheese with additional sour cream or softened Greek yogurt, although the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
What cheese melts best?
Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, cheddar, and Mexican cheese blends all melt beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The basic ingredients can be gluten-free, but packaged ingredients must be checked carefully. Use certified gluten-free broth and seasonings when necessary.
Is this recipe nut-free?
There are no peanuts or tree nuts intentionally included. However, always check packaged ingredients for allergen warnings and cross-contact.
