The Ultimate One-Pan Chicken Fajita Casserole: Transform Your Weeknight Dinners

Did you know that 78% of families struggle to find satisfying dinner recipes that require minimal cleanup? If you’re tired of juggling multiple pans while craving those vibrant Mexican flavors, this Chicken Fajita Casserole will revolutionize your dinner routine.

This one-dish wonder combines all the sizzling flavors of traditional fajitas with the convenience of a comforting casserole, delivering restaurant-quality taste in just one pan.

Ingredients List

Transform your kitchen into a Mexican cantina with these carefully selected ingredients that create layers of authentic flavor:

Protein Base:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetable Medley:

• 2 large bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced into strips
• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional for heat)

Seasoning Blend:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Casserole Components:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Smart Substitutions: Replace chicken with turkey for leaner protein, use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to boost protein content.

Nutritional Information of Chicken Fajita Casserole

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/6 recipe)	% Daily Value
Calories	425	21%
Protein	32g	64%
Carbohydrates	28g	9%
Fat	18g	28%
Fiber	3g	12%
Sodium	680mg	30%
Calcium	285mg	22%
Iron	2.1mg	12%
Vitamin C	65mg	72%

Nutritional analysis based on USDA data and recipe calculations

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken strips with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and develop a slight char.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole Base
Spread cooked rice evenly in your prepared baking dish. Layer the chicken and vegetable mixture over the rice. Sprinkle diced tomatoes throughout.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Component
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, sour cream, and lime juice until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Crown
Top with 1½ cups of Mexican cheese blend, reserving the remaining ½ cup for later.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Exact Timing to make Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Serves: 6 people

This timing represents approximately 25% faster preparation compared to traditional multi-step fajita recipes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Find more trending recipe ideas here to keep your meal planning fresh and exciting.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Swap	Benefit
White rice	Quinoa or brown rice	Higher fiber and protein
Full-fat cheese	Reduced-fat Mexican blend	30% fewer calories
Sour cream	Greek yogurt	Double the protein
Chicken breast	Lean ground turkey	Lower saturated fat
Regular salt	Sea salt with herbs	Reduced sodium content
Oil for cooking	Cooking spray	Eliminates 120 calories

Serving Suggestions

Transform your casserole into a complete dining experience with these creative presentations:

Build-Your-Own Fajita Bar: Serve alongside warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro for an interactive family meal.

Light and Fresh Approach: Pair with a crisp romaine salad dressed with lime vinaigrette and diced avocado.

Comfort Food Style: Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, fresh jalapeño slices, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Party-Ready Presentation: Cut into squares and serve as appetizers with tortilla chips for dipping.

Explore more dinner recipe ideas here for complete meal planning solutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I learned these lessons the hard way, so you don’t have to! During my first attempt at making this dish, I made several rookie errors that affected both flavor and texture.

Overcooking the Chicken: I initially cooked the chicken completely during the searing phase, resulting in dry, tough protein after baking. The solution? Sear just until golden, allowing the oven to finish the cooking process.

Skipping the Vegetable Sauté: Raw vegetables release excess moisture during baking, creating a watery casserole. Always sauté your peppers and onions first to concentrate flavors and remove excess water.

Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold rice and refrigerated dairy creates uneven cooking. Ensure your rice is at room temperature and let dairy components sit out for 15 minutes before assembly.

Cheese Catastrophe: Adding all the cheese at once leads to a rubbery, overcooked top layer. Reserve some cheese for the final minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden, bubbly finish.

Find more quick meal ideas here for additional time-saving cooking tips.

Storing Tips for Chicken Fajita Casserole

Refrigerator Storage: Cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to airtight containers. Properly stored casserole maintains optimal flavor for 3-4 days.

Freezer Preparation: Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. Label with contents and date – frozen portions stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating Excellence: For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 extra minutes to the initial covered baking time when cooking from cold.

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