Description
A rich, cheesy, and comforting twist on classic fajitas—all baked into one delicious casserole! Juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, and onions are seasoned with bold fajita spices, layered with creamy cheese, and roasted to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep, this dish delivers all the flavor of fajitas without the mess of multiple pans. It’s also naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to fit your dietary needs.
Ingredients
1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lime (optional)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced chicken, peppers, and onion with olive oil and all the spices until well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Dot softened cream cheese across the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly and chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime juice, if using.
Notes
Add cooked black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
For spicier flavor, increase cayenne or add jalapeño slices.
This dish can be made ahead and stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 385