Chicken Fajita Casserole: A Tex-Mex One-Pan Wonder

There’s something irresistible about sizzling fajitas — the sound, the aroma, the vibrant colors of peppers and onions dancing in a hot skillet. Now imagine all of that flavor transformed into a bubbling, cheesy, oven-baked masterpiece that requires just one pan and minimal cleanup. That’s exactly what you get with this Chicken Fajita Casserole.

This Tex-Mex casserole recipe delivers bold spices, juicy chicken, tender-crisp peppers, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of easy fajita bake that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special — without requiring you to stand over the stove flipping tortillas.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a satisfying low carb chicken casserole option, this dish is about to become a regular in your rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Casserole

This one pan chicken dinner checks every box:

• Packed with Tex-Mex flavor
• Ready in under an hour
• Naturally low in carbs
• Minimal prep and easy cleanup
• Family-friendly and customizable

Instead of assembling individual fajitas, everything bakes together in one dish. The result? A creamy, cheesy, slightly smoky casserole bursting with color and flavor.

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Ingredients

• 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Juice of ½ lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the chicken and vegetables. In a large bowl, combine sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
3. Season generously. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss until evenly coated.
4. Add the creamy base. In a separate small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Fold this mixture into the seasoned chicken and vegetables.
5. Assemble the casserole. Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Top with cheese. Sprinkle Mexican blend cheese and mozzarella evenly over the top.
7. Bake. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Finish with freshness. Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
9. Serve warm. Enjoy as-is or with your favorite toppings.

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What Makes This Tex-Mex Casserole Recipe Special?

Unlike traditional fajitas that rely on quick stovetop cooking, baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The spices infuse the chicken, the peppers soften while keeping a slight bite, and the cream cheese base creates a luscious texture that holds everything together.

This easy fajita bake feels indulgent but is surprisingly balanced. It’s hearty without being heavy.

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Make It Low Carb or Keto-Friendly

One of the biggest perks of this low carb chicken casserole is that it’s naturally tortilla-free. To keep it keto-friendly:

• Skip serving with rice or tortillas
• Serve over cauliflower rice
• Add extra cheese for more richness

It’s satisfying enough on its own but versatile enough to fit multiple dietary needs.

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Customization Ideas

This one pan chicken dinner adapts easily to your preferences.

Add More Heat

• Diced jalapeños
• Extra chili powder
• A dash of cayenne

Add Vegetables

• Sliced zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Corn (if not low carb)

Swap the Protein

• Use sliced steak
• Substitute with shrimp (reduce baking time)

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Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Fajita Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Spanish rice
• Black beans
• Guacamole
• Fresh pico de gallo

For a lighter option, serve it over crisp romaine lettuce for a fajita-inspired salad bowl.

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Meal Prep & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Microwave in 60-second intervals
• Or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through

You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the pan (use a large baking dish).
2. Cutting chicken too thick — thin strips cook evenly.
3. Overbaking — remove once chicken reaches safe temperature.
4. Skipping lime juice — it brightens the entire dish.

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Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

This Tex-Mex casserole recipe eliminates the need for multiple pans. Everything bakes together, which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying dinner.

Kids love the cheesy top, adults appreciate the bold seasoning, and everyone gets a satisfying, protein-packed meal.

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Final Thoughts

If you love the bold flavors of fajitas but want something even easier, this Chicken Fajita Casserole is your answer. It’s colorful, comforting, and packed with Tex-Mex goodness — all in one simple baking dish.

From weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, this easy fajita bake delivers every time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it earns the title of a true one-pan wonder.