Description
Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and easy baked dish that combines tender chicken breasts with colorful bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese, creating a comforting Mexican-inspired meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 2 medium bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., Mexican blend or cheddar)
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the oven is fully heated before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Season chicken: In a baking dish, season the chicken breasts with fajita seasoning and vegetable oil. Use your hands or a spoon to evenly distribute the seasoning all over the chicken.
- Add vegetables: Top the seasoned chicken with sliced bell peppers and onion. Sprinkle a little extra fajita seasoning on top for added flavor, then evenly distribute shredded cheese over the vegetables and chicken.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately. This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Notes
- To check if the chicken is cooked thoroughly, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the thickest part—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Any melting cheese like cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack works well. For a lower-calorie version, omit the cheese or use a lighter cheese option.
- For a quicker version, cube the chicken into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time.
- Adding cooked pasta or rice can turn this into a more filling meal.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of casserole)
- Calories: 388 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 483 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 153 mg
