Description
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish combining tender fajita-seasoned chicken breasts with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all topped with a melty cheese blend and baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that brings the taste of classic Tex-Mex fajitas in a comforting casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 2 medium bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken: In a baking dish, season the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over the chicken and use your hands or a spoon to evenly coat all sides with the seasoning and oil.
- Add the vegetables: Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onion strips on top of the seasoned chicken in the baking dish. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little more fajita seasoning over the vegetables.
- Top with cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the vegetables and chicken, covering the entire surface to create a delicious cheesy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest briefly to set. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving hot for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy fajita seasoning.
- Feel free to substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a healthier option.
- You can use any combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheeses for varied flavor.
- Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
