Print

Easy Cheesy Dump and Bake Chicken Fajita Casserole

chicken fajita casserole - featured image

A quick and family-friendly chicken fajita casserole layered with seasoned chicken, peppers, onions, tortillas, and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), diced or shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great too)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar
  • 6 small flour tortillas, cut into strips or roughly torn
  • 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh cilantro for garnish, sliced avocado, or sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until it starts to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté together until veggies soften and chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes more.
  4. Sprinkle fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat everything in the spices. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat once fragrant and vibrant.
  5. Spread half of the torn tortilla pieces evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the chicken and veggie mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
  6. Repeat layering with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and finish with the last cup of cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown on the edges.
  8. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro or your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado slices.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cheese and skip sour cream. To add a crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes watching carefully. If chicken seems dry during sauté, add a splash of chicken broth. Let casserole rest before serving to set layers. Shredding your own cheese improves melt and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita casserole, dump and bake, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, family meal, weeknight recipe, Tex-Mex, chicken casserole