Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a delicious and healthy baked dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts topped with colorful bell peppers, onions, and melted mozzarella cheese. Infused with a flavorful homemade fajita seasoning blend, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers big on taste.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking and Broiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 small chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Fajita Seasoning
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the fajita seasoning blend.
- Season the chicken: Use most of the fajita seasoning to evenly coat the chicken breasts, reserving a small amount for the vegetables.
- Assemble the dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, then layer the bell pepper strips and chopped onion on top. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the vegetables.
- Add cheese topping: Generously cover the layered vegetables and chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Broil for crispness: After baking, switch to the broil setting and broil the casserole for 2 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese if preferred.
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable layer.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use fresh lime juice on top after baking for a tangy brightness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings (approximately 10 oz)
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 3.8 g
- Sodium: 558 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 49 g
- Cholesterol: 152 mg
Keywords: Fajita Chicken Casserole, baked chicken, fajita seasoning, healthy casserole, Mexican dinner