Description
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with fajita spices, topped with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it's juicy, cheesy, and full of Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds 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
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Season the Chicken: Place the skinless, boneless chicken breasts in a baking dish. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over them and drizzle with the vegetable oil. Use your hands to thoroughly coat the chicken with the seasoning and oil.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Layer the sliced bell peppers and yellow onion on top of the seasoned chicken. Sprinkle a little additional fajita seasoning if desired. Then, evenly distribute the shredded cheese over the vegetables and chicken.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. Serve immediately for a warm, cheesy, and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Check chicken doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Any melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works well for this recipe.
- To reduce calories, omit the shredded cheese and top with a mixture of parmesan and panko breadcrumbs sprayed lightly with oil before baking.
- For faster cooking, cut the chicken into smaller cubes to reduce baking time.
- Add cooked pasta to the casserole for a heartier dish, cooking pasta al dente before mixing in.
- Serve with garlic butter pasta, Mexican rice, plain rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwaved for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 388 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 483 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 153 mg
