Fajita Chicken Casserole: A Cheesy Tex-Mex Dinner Winner
If you love the bold, sizzling flavors of restaurant-style chicken fajitas but want the ease of a one-pan dish, this Fajita Chicken Casserole is your new go-to. It’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with colorful peppers, black beans, corn, and juicy chicken—all baked together in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe delivers Tex-Mex comfort with minimal effort.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want flavorful leftovers for lunch, this casserole guarantees all the fajita goodness without the skillet fuss.
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe smooth and stress-free, here’s what you’ll need:
- 9x13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works best)
- Large skillet (for sautéing veggies)
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Mixing spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)
Ingredients
Main Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works perfectly)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (use red, green, and yellow for color)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium, your choice)
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
-
Prep the Oven & Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. -
Sauté the Veggies
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced peppers and onion, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened but still vibrant. -
Build the Casserole
In the baking dish, combine shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, corn, black beans, and salsa. Sprinkle in the fajita seasoning mix and stir everything together. -
Add the Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Add crushed tortilla chips if you want a crunchy layer. -
Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes (keep a close eye on it!). -
Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with sour cream, avocado slices, or extra salsa on the side.
Pro Tips
- ✅ Save time with rotisserie chicken—it’s flavorful and pre-cooked.
- ✅ Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- ✅ For creaminess, stir in 4 oz cream cheese with the salsa.
- ✅ Assemble ahead and freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Over fluffy white rice for a filling dinner.
- With tortilla chips for scooping at parties.
- Wrapped in warm flour tortillas for instant burritos.
Fajita Chicken Casserole (WP Recipe Maker–Style Card)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, sauté peppers and onion in 1 tbsp oil for 5-6 minutes.
- In the baking dish, combine chicken, veggies, corn, beans, salsa, and seasonings. Mix well.
- Sprinkle with cheese and tortilla chips (if using).
- Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil 1-2 minutes for golden topping.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream, avocado, or extra salsa.