Description
This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with fajita spices, layered with vibrant bell peppers and onions, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a delicious twist on classic fajitas with a comforting, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 2 medium bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly melted cheese top.
- Season the Chicken: In a baking dish, season the chicken breasts with the fajita seasoning. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the chicken and use your hands or a spoon to evenly coat all sides with seasoning and oil.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onions on top of the seasoned chicken in the baking dish. Lightly sprinkle a bit more fajita seasoning over the vegetables to enhance their flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the entire surface of the vegetables and chicken, creating a cheesy topping that will melt and brown during baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest briefly to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving hot to add a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a healthier fat option.
- Feel free to mix different types of shredded cheese for varied flavor and texture.
- The fajita seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps retain juices and enhances flavor.
