A delightful fusion of classic fajita flavors and a comforting casserole, this dish combines tender chicken thighs with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and spices, all layered with corn tortillas and melted cheese. It’s an easy, one-skillet meal perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience – All ingredients cook together in a single skillet, making cleanup easy.
- Bold flavors – The combination of fajita spices, lime juice, and cheese brings a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Quick and simple – With just 45 minutes from start to finish, it’s a fast meal for busy nights.
- Comforting yet light – The casserole is hearty without being heavy, thanks to the tender chicken and fresh veggies.
- Family-friendly – The cheesy, spicy goodness is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Avocado oil
- Red bell pepper, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced
- Medium onion, sliced
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Cooked chicken thighs, sliced
- Lime juice
- Corn tortillas, cut into strips
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked chicken slices to the skillet and stir in the lime juice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Layer the tortilla strips over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add extra veggies – Feel free to add zucchini, corn, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
- Make it spicier – Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
- Use a different protein – Swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp for variety.
- Cheesy twist – Add a layer of melted cheese under the tortillas for extra cheesy goodness.
- Gluten-free – Ensure your corn tortillas are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs add more flavor and tenderness. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas, but corn tortillas give a more authentic fajita flavor and texture.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or use spicy chili powder for a hotter version.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair with sour cream, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this casserole without cheese?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese for a lighter version of the dish. You can also top it with avocado slices for added creaminess.
Can I cook this in a regular skillet?
Yes, as long as it’s ovenproof. If not, transfer the casserole to a baking dish before baking.
What if I don’t have an ovenproof skillet?
Use a regular skillet to cook the filling, then transfer it to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken works perfectly. Just add it in when the vegetables are cooked to save time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and use extra beans, tofu, or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
Conclusion
Chicken Fajita Casserole is a deliciously easy meal that combines the vibrant flavors of fajitas with the comforting, cheesy goodness of a casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-skillet dish is sure to satisfy your craving for a hearty, flavorful meal. Try it tonight and enjoy a Tex-Mex twist on classic comfort food!
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Chicken Fajita Casserole
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a one-skillet meal combining the bold flavors of fajitas with the comforting layers of a cheesy casserole. Tender chicken thighs, bell peppers, onions, and corn tortillas come together in this quick and easy dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups cooked chicken thighs, sliced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add spices: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
- Add chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken slices and lime juice. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.
- Layer tortillas and cheese: Remove from heat and layer the tortilla strips over the chicken mixture. Drizzle with 2 tbsp of avocado oil and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
- Extra veggies: Feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for more texture and flavor.
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Different proteins: Try ground beef, turkey, or shrimp for variety.
- Cheesy twist: Add a layer of cheese under the tortillas for extra cheese indulgence.
- Gluten-free: Ensure your corn tortillas are gluten-free for a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
