Disgustingly Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

Okay, friends, let’s be real. Weeknights? They’re a *crazed* dance of school runs, homework battles, and that desperate “What’s for dinner?!” panic. I get it. I SO get it! Finding something quick, easy, and that *everyone* will actually eat feels like winning the lottery. That’s where my Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole swoops in to save the day!

Seriously, this isn’t just dinner; it’s a flavor explosion disguised as a ridiculously simple recipe. Think all the yumminess of fajitas – juicy chicken, tender peppers and onions, that zingy seasoning – but without all the standing-over-a-hot-stove-flipping-tortillas business.

I’ve been making this Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole for my crew for years, and it’s always a hit. Even my picky eater (you know the type!) asks for seconds. Plus, clean-up is a breeze, which, let’s be honest, is almost as important as the taste, right? Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

• Quick Preparation: Seriously, you’re looking at, like, 15 minutes of prep! That’s it!
• Easy Cleanup: One pan, people! ONE PAN! Hallelujah!
• Customizable: Don’t like onions? Leave ’em out! Want it spicier? Add some jalapeños! You’re the boss!
• Flavorful: We’re talking major fajita flavor here. Every bite is a party in your mouth!
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up, I promise!

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Okay, so picture this: It’s 6 pm, everyone’s hangry, and you’re staring blankly into the fridge. Don’t panic! This Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole is your secret weapon. Just chop some veggies, toss everything together, and pop it in the oven. Boom! Dinner is served, and you’re a rockstar!

Customizable Flavors

The beauty of this Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole is that you can totally make it your own. Not a fan of bell peppers? Swap ’em for zucchini! Want a little kick? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. And don’t even get me started on the toppings! Sour cream, salsa, guacamole… the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients for Your Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this magical Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole. Don’t worry if you’re missing something; feel free to tweak it! But trust me, these are the basics for a flavor explosion:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into strips: I usually go for boneless, skinless ’cause, you know, easy. But if you’re feeling fancy, bone-in works too – just make sure it’s cooked through!
• 1 large bell pepper, sliced: Any color works! I usually grab whatever’s on sale. Red, green, yellow, orange – they all bring their own little somethin’ to the party.
• 1 large onion, sliced: Yellow or white onion is perfect. I like to slice ’em kinda thin so they get nice and tender in the oven.
• 1 packet fajita seasoning: You can use store-bought, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own! There are tons of recipes online. I usually just grab a packet ’cause, well, weeknights.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: This helps everything get nice and coated with that yummy fajita seasoning.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I’m a cheddar girl, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also be amazing!
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole: Okay, these aren’t *technically* ingredients for the casserole itself, but they’re ESSENTIAL for serving. Don’t skip ’em!

How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part: actually making this delicious Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole! Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

First things first, let’s get our ingredients ready. Slice your chicken breasts into strips – about ½ inch thick is perfect. Then, slice up your bell pepper and onion. I like to make sure everything’s roughly the same size so it cooks evenly. Now, grab a big ol’ bowl and toss the chicken, peppers, and onions with the olive oil and that packet of fajita seasoning. Make sure everything’s coated nicely! This is where the magic happens, folks!

Baking Your Chicken Fajita Casserole to Perfection

Alright, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important, don’t skip it! While the oven’s heating up, spread your chicken and veggie mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pop that baby in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through – no pink inside! If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C). Careful taking it out of the oven, it’s hot!

Adding the Cheese and Final Touches

Once the chicken’s cooked, pull the casserole out of the oven (don’t forget your oven mitts!). Now, sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even broil it for a minute or two to get that cheese nice and golden brown. Just keep a close eye on it, or it’ll burn! Now, take it out and let it cool for a minute or two before serving. And don’t forget your favorite toppings! Sour cream, salsa, guacamole… go wild!

Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

Want to take your Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole from “good” to “OMG amazing”? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, they make a difference!

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you try to cram too much into the baking dish, the veggies will steam instead of roast, and nobody wants soggy fajitas. Use a bigger pan if you need to!
• Use a meat thermometer! I know I mentioned it before, but seriously, a meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to cooking chicken. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Broil for extra cheesy goodness! If you want that cheese nice and bubbly and golden brown, pop the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two at the end. Just watch it like a hawk, or it’ll burn! Oops, I’ve done that before.

Variations of Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole, and you’re obsessed (I knew you would be!). But what if you want to mix things up a bit? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment!

• Swap the protein! Not feeling chicken? No problem! Shrimp or steak would be amazing in this casserole. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add different veggies! Corn, zucchini, black beans… the possibilities are endless! Just toss ’em in with the peppers and onions.
• Cheese it up! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack would also be delicious!

Serving Suggestions for Your Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

Alright, you’ve got this gorgeous Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole fresh out of the oven… now what? Well, you could just grab a fork and dig in (I wouldn’t judge!), but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal!

My family *loves* it with a side of fluffy rice and some black beans. Warm tortillas are also a must – perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness! And if you’re trying to be healthy (ha!), a simple side salad adds a nice fresh touch. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

Got questions about my Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked (besides “Can I have seconds?”).

• Can I make this ahead of time? You bet! Prep everything, assemble the casserole, and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Can I freeze this? Yep! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
• What if I don’t have fajita seasoning? No prob! You can totally make your own. Just google “homemade fajita seasoning” – there are tons of recipes out there. Or, in a pinch, use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little smoked paprika.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition stuff. I’m not a nutritionist, so please remember this is just an *estimate*, okay? But roughly, one serving of this Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole clocks in around:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 15g

Of course, this can change depending on your exact ingredients and toppings. More cheese? More calories! Load up on the guac? Healthy fats, but still adds to the total. Just something to keep in mind!

Enjoyed Our Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe?

Woohoo! I hope you loved this Oven-Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole as much as my family does! If you gave it a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Rating the recipe helps other folks find it too. And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a pic on your fave social media platform. Thanks for cooking with me!

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