Quick & Zesty Sizzling Fajita Chicken Breasts Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that fajita chicken breasts casserole can effortlessly deliver.

Packed with zesty spices and tender chicken, this dish promises a mouthwatering experience.

Layers of colorful bell peppers and seasoned meat create a vibrant palette that excites the senses.

The casserole combines classic Tex-Mex flavors with simple preparation techniques.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.

Cheese melts luxuriously over the top, adding a creamy richness that elevates the entire meal.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Fajita Chicken Breasts Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base that absorbs fajita seasoning beautifully; choose fresh, plump cuts without discoloration.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and deepens savory flavor; opt for low-sodium versions for better control.

• Bell Peppers, Onion: Adds vibrant color and sweet crunch; select firm, bright-colored peppers.
• Garlic: Provides intense, earthy undertone; fresh cloves deliver more robust flavor than pre-minced.
• Jalapenos, Cilantro: Offers fresh, zesty garnish; choose bright green, firm peppers.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creates rich, creamy texture; room temperature ingredients blend smoother.
• Cheddar, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, stretchy topping; shredded cheese melts more evenly.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, tangy brightness; fresh-squeezed delivers superior taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute heat and enhance flavor; extra virgin offers richer taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning enhancers; freshly ground pepper provides more intensity.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cumin: Delivers authentic fajita spice profile; check freshness of spices.
• Taco Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds additional layered heat and complexity; adjust according to spice preference.

Tools That Make This Tex-Mex Casserole a Cinch

• Baking Dish: 9×13-inch dish for cooking and serving the casserole.
• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for sautéing vegetables with olive oil.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium bowl for combining creamy sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: To slice bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.

How to Bake a Chicken Fajita Casserole With Bold Flavor

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F, getting ready for a flavor explosion.

• Prep the Cooking Vessel

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick oil spray to prevent sticking.

• Season the Chicken

Massage the chicken with a zesty blend of spices, coating each piece generously with an aromatic mix.

• Sizzle the Veggies

Toss bell peppers, onions, and garlic into a hot skillet, letting them dance and soften into deliciousness.

• Layer the Ingredients

Spread the golden-edged vegetables over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish.

• Create the Creamy Magic

Whip together a dreamy sauce mixing tangy sour cream, melty cheeses, and a splash of chicken broth.

• Drench and Top

Pour the luscious sauce over the chicken and veggies, then sprinkle extra cheese for a golden crown.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it sizzle for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and cheese is bubbling.

• Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole settle for a few minutes, then shower with fresh cilantro and spicy jalapeños.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up with rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp salad for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Add Rice, Beans, or Cheese to Your Heart’s Content

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time when ready to cook.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken breasts with turkey breast, lean beef strips, or extra-firm tofu for diverse protein options that maintain the fajita flavor profile.
• Lighter Low-Carb Version: Skip rice and tortillas, use cauliflower rice or serve over roasted zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping all the delicious southwestern flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by modifying red pepper flakes and taco seasoning. Remove jalapenos for mild preference or add extra red pepper flakes for serious spice lovers who crave intense flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and plant-based shredded cheese to make the recipe completely lactose-free without compromising taste and texture.

Serve With Tortillas or Fresh Avocado

• Fiesta Dinner Companion: Serve alongside warm, fluffy Mexican rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complement the spicy chicken flavors.
• Zesty Side Kick: Pair with crisp corn or flour tortillas for wrapping bite-sized pieces of tender chicken and colorful fajita vegetables.
• Fresh Flavor Booster: Top with additional chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the dish's vibrant southwestern profile and add extra texture and coolness.
• Quick Salad Sidekick: Create a light mixed green salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.

Store So It’s Just as Zesty Tomorrow

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in freezer-safe wrap, storing for up to 2 months without losing flavor intensity.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying and maintain moisture, ensuring tender chicken and melty cheese.
• Ingredient Separation Hack: If possible, keep garnishes like cilantro and jalapeños separate when storing to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess in the main dish.

Sizzling Fajita Chicken Breasts Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired fajita chicken breasts casserole delivers a zesty blend of spices and textures that excite home cooks. Sizzling peppers, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a complete meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with olive oil and a robust blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Vegetable Sauté: In a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly sauté bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Assembly: Arrange seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish, generously top with caramelized vegetables, creating a colorful foundation.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk together sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, chicken broth, lime juice, taco seasoning, and red pepper flakes until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Layering: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over chicken and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage, then sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheese on top.
7. Baking: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165F (75C) and cheese turns golden and bubbly.
8. Finishing: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices.
9. Serving: Plate alongside rice, tortillas, or a crisp salad for a complete, flavor-packed meal.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure crisp, even browning and prevent soggy results.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust taco seasoning and red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference; start with less and gradually increase for balanced flavor.
• Prevent Cheese Burning: Cover casserole with foil during last 10 minutes of baking if cheese browns too quickly, maintaining perfect golden-melted consistency.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap full-fat dairy with low-fat alternatives and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lighter, protein-rich version without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg