Chicken Fajita Casserole
Craving the bold, zesty flavors of fajitas but want a hassle-free dinner? This Chicken Fajita Casserole delivers all the savory goodness you love—tender chicken, caramelized peppers and onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—baked to perfection.
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Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients:
- 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 1 large onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 tbsp fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in a casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Once done, allow the chicken to cool for a few minutes before shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess liquid from the casserole dish.
- Cook the vegetables: While the chicken bakes, heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and coat with cooking spray. Add the sliced pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and soft. Let them caramelize as the chicken cooks in the oven. Stir every 5-10 minutes for best results. Once cooked, set the veggies aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar, and the fajita seasoning. Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked onions and peppers. Transfer the mixture back into the casserole dish you used for the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly, and the cheese is golden and melted.
Notes:
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the casserole through step 3 ahead of time and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, allow extra time (30-40 minutes) to heat it through and achieve a bubbly, golden topping.
- Adjusting Seasonings: Depending on your fajita seasoning blend, you might want to adjust the salt. After the chicken is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.