Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole – Chicken, onions, and peppers baked in a creamy fajita cheese sauce? We just know y’all are going to love it. This creamy chicken fajita casserole is nourishing and packs a punch of flavor. It is perfect with a dollop of sour cream and avocado on top and paired with a fresh green salad, or if you are extra hungry you can enjoy the chicken fajita casserole on top of cauliflower rice, steamed veggies, or zucchini noodles. Enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole
- 2 large chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, cut into cubes
- 2 bell peppers, red, green, yellow, seeded and cut into strips
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 8oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce of your choice (marinara sauce, canned crushed tomatoes…)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock (or 1/4 cup water plays a teaspoon of instant chicken bouillon)
- 1 packet of Fajita seasoning (or make you own fajita mix, see the notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella (or your favorite cheese, Pepperjack, Monterrey Jack, Cheddar…)
- Fresh chopped cilantro, or parsley, for garnish
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the creamy fajita chicken casserole recipe: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil a baking dish.
2. In a bowl beat cream cheese with tomato sauce, chicken stock, half the fajita mix, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange chicken bites into the prepared baking dish with the remaining of the fajita seasoning mix and toss to coat well. Spread the spicy cream cheese mixture on top and mix well to combine. Then cover the chicken bites with the bell peppers and onion, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
4. Bake the fajita chicken casserole for 15 – 25 minutes (depending on your oven); until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can broil your fajita chicken casserole for 2 minutes at the end to crisp up the top if you like. Serve the creamy baked fajita chicken casserole immediately over cauliflower rice, steamed vegetable, zucchini noodles, or as is… enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the creamy fajita chicken casserole
Even though we love fajitas, sometimes there isn’t time to make the traditional version. That is why we love making this creamy chicken fajita casserole recipe on busy nights, everyone loves it! We use the same ingredients as for traditional chicken fajitas: chicken, peppers, onions, spices, and cheese. The main difference is that we combine all of those ingredients in a baking dish and bake them instead of cooking them separately. Here are a few tips to make the baked chicken fajita casserole easier and even more delicious:
- You can bake the chicken fajita casserole without the shredded cheese, and add it at the end before broiling if you prefer.
- The chicken can be cooked ahead (browned in a skillet on the stovetop for instance), then you can assemble the chicken casserole at the last minute, right before baking.
- If you like a meatier casserole, add sliced spicy sausage when baking the Fajita chicken casserole.
- Freeze individual portions of the creamy fajita chicken casserole so you have a comforting dinner for evenings when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.
- If you use a bag of frozen veggies, it is best to thaw them first otherwise the recipe can end up watery.
Can I make my own fajita spice mix?
Yes, of course! Just use these ingredients and proportions:
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or minced garlic
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
How and how long to keep the creamy chicken fajita casserole leftovers?
You can keep the leftovers for up to 2 days in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Freeze individual portions of the chicken fajita casserole in ziplock bags for up to 1 month.
Can we reheat the chicken fajita casserole?
Sure, the fajita chicken casserole is easy to reheat the day after. Simply cover with foil and put in the oven at 370ºF (190ºC) for 10 – 15 minutes until heated through.
More chicken casserole recipes
- Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella
- French Onion Chicken Casserole
- Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
- Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Leave a Reply
Kyle
2022-04-25 17:20:50
This was amazing. If we make it again with precooked chicken, how long should it go in the oven for?
William
2022-02-21 16:05:40
I made this but I put too much chicken stock , so I put it in a big casserole pot and cooked it that way , it thickend up and is good
Stephanie L
2022-02-20 07:31:12
Excellent. Made exactly as written with the exception of using boneless, skinless thighs. I have made it several times and it is always a hit. I serve with rice and a salad. Fabulous, quick and easy meal.
Lauren
2022-02-17 20:24:42
Used jalapeño cream cheese, and added corn, black bean and crumbled tortillas chips on top!
Shurrie
2021-10-23 18:14:05
The whole family loved this recipe just as is. We stuffed it into flor tortillas instead of over rice and it was a huge hit.
Harolyn
2021-04-18 17:54:33
I made this tonight and it came out amazing!!! I didn’t change a thing, definitely a hit!!!!
Cora
2021-03-21 13:24:40
I have made this recipe twice since I found it on this site. It is delicious and full of flavor. Made as is. Give it 5 stars.
Mary Kessinger
2021-02-25 21:07:05
Tried this tonight and my family loved it! Thanks so much!