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Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe Easy Tex-Mex Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy Tex-Mex casserole layering chicken, bell peppers, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese for a cozy, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced into strips
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat (fresh or pickled)
  • Warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide. Thinly slice the bell peppers and onion.
  2. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add chicken strips and sprinkle half the spice blend. Cook 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and golden crust forms. Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Add bell peppers and onions, sprinkle remaining spice blend. Stir frequently until tender but still slightly crunchy, 5-7 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until smooth.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a casserole dish, combine cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, and creamy sauce. Mix gently and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly on top. Add sliced jalapeños if desired.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken and veggies to allow caramelization.’, ‘Soften cream cheese at room temperature or microwave for 15 seconds for smooth sauce.’, ‘Adjust cayenne and jalapeños to your preferred spice level.’, ‘Watch cheese during baking to prevent burning; tent with foil if needed.’, ‘For a crispier top, broil for last 2 minutes but watch closely.’, ‘Use a Mexican cheese blend for best melt and flavor balance.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken fajita casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken casserole, fajita recipe

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/cheesy-chicken-fajita-casserole-recipe-easy-tex-mex-dinner-idea/