Ingredients
Shredded chicken: brings the hearty base and works best if precooked from rotisserie or poached at home
Olive oil: helps soften and bring out the sweetness in the bell peppers and onions choose extra virgin for more flavor
Green and red bell peppers: add color crunch and a mild sweetness look for firm glossy peppers
Yellow onion: offers sweetness and depth of flavor slice thinly for best texture
Fajita seasoning mix: delivers the classic zesty Mexican flavor with chili powder cumin and garlic you can use your own blend
Salt and black pepper: boost all the other flavors a small pinch goes a long way
Salsa: adds tangy moisture and even more spice chunky or smooth both work
Shredded cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and turns golden pick a sharp cheddar for extra punch
Fresh cilantro: adds a bright herbal note and beautiful color
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep and Sauté the Veggies:
Add olive oil to a hot pan and toss in sliced bell peppers and onion with fajita seasoning salt and black pepper. Let them cook slowly for around eight minutes stirring often. You want them soft and fragrant with a lightly caramelized edge. This layering of vegetables with spices gives your casserole a deep base of flavor that tastes like true fajitas.
Layer the Casserole:
Place all your shredded chicken in a single even layer at the bottom of a casserole dish. Pour your favorite salsa over the chicken making sure it is spread out evenly so every bite has some tangy kick.
Build the Flavor Layers:
As soon as your veggies are soft scoop them over the chicken and salsa. Spread them right to the corners so you get color and texture in every slice.
Top With Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything. This will melt in the oven and form a beautiful golden topping that holds all those layers together.
Bake the Casserole:
Put the dish in a preheated oven at three seventy five degrees. Bake for twenty minutes or until the cheese bubbles and starts turning a light brown.
Finish and Garnish:
Carefully remove from the oven and let it cool for a moment. Finish by scattering fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a bright pop of flavor before serving.
You Must Know
Casserole freezes and reheats beautifully
High in protein from both chicken and cheese
Easy to double for meal prep or parties
One of my favorite quirks is watching my kids sneak seconds for those charred edges of melted cheddar that hide in the corners. I also love using homemade fajita seasoning for a fresher punch and always toss in extra cilantro on top.
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken fajita casserole stores well in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge. To freeze portion individual servings into freezer bags or small dishes so you can reheat just what you need. Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot. I like adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating to freshen the flavor.
