A cheesy, flavor-packed baked casserole with tender chicken, fajita vegetables, creamy sauce, and Tex-Mex spices. Great for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar
Fajita Seasoning
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Black beans
- Corn
- Jalapeños
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat oven to:
- 190°C (375°F)
Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) casserole dish.
Step 2: Season the chicken
In a large bowl, toss diced chicken with:
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne (if using)
Mix until evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a little oil if needed.
Cook:
- Bell peppers
- Onion
For:
- 5–6 minutes
Until slightly softened but still colorful.
Remove from pan.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
In the same skillet, cook seasoned chicken for:
- 5–7 minutes
Until mostly cooked through.
It does not need to be fully done yet since it will bake later.
Step 5: Make the creamy mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies
Mix until smooth.
Stir in:
- Cooked vegetables
- Chicken
- Cooked rice (if using)
- Half the shredded cheese
Step 6: Assemble casserole
Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for:
- 20–25 minutes
Until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Let casserole rest for:
- 5 minutes
Before serving.
Garnish Ideas
Top with:
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Green onions
- Jalapeños
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Tortilla chips
- Warm tortillas
- Mexican rice
- Salad
- Cauliflower rice for low-carb
Storage
Refrigerator
- Up to 4 days in airtight container
Freezer
- Freeze up to 2 months
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Make It Low Carb
Skip the rice and add:
- Extra peppers
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini
