There’s something irresistible about a sizzling plate of fajitas—but turn that into a creamy, cheesy, oven-baked dish? I’m all in.

This Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole brings together the bold flavors of Tex-Mex with a rich cream cheese base and melty Monterey Jack topping.

It’s the perfect weeknight comfort food that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why I Love This Recipe

One-pan, minimal mess, maximum flavor

Great way to use up leftover chicken

Gooey cheese and creamy sauce = dinner bliss

Customizable with your favorite veggies or spice level

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Cooked, shredded chicken – A great use for rotisserie or leftover chicken

Bell peppers & onion – Classic fajita veggies, full of color and flavor

Cream cheese – Makes the casserole ultra creamy

Fajita seasoning packet – The spice mix that brings it all together

Monterey Jack cheese – Melts beautifully for that bubbly golden finish

Olive oil – Helps sear the veggies and boost flavor

Pro Tips Before You Start

Bring the cream cheese to room temp for smoother melting.

Give the veggies a quick high-heat sear—just enough to char them a bit without overcooking.

You can make this ahead and bake later—just store covered in the fridge until ready.

Want more heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.

Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Sear the Veggies and Chicken

Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and cooked shredded chicken.

Sauté for 1–2 minutes to lightly sear the edges and bring out flavor. Remove from pan.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add cream cheese and fajita seasoning.

Stir constantly over low heat until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken and vegetables to the skillet.

Mix everything thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish.

Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

What to Serve It With

This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with:

Warm flour or corn tortillas

Cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice

Black beans or refried beans

Guacamole or sour cream on the side

A crisp romaine or avocado salad

Variations / Substitutions

Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.

Add corn, black beans, or chopped jalapeños for extra flair.

Swap fajita seasoning with taco seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.

Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese instead of Monterey Jack.

Add cooked pasta or rice to the mix for a heartier meal.

Storage & Leftovers

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

Reheat in the microwave or oven at 300°F until warmed through.

This casserole freezes well—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, it’s perfect for this dish and saves time on prep.

What veggies can I add or swap?
Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach work well here.

Is there a low-fat version?
Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the cheese amount slightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I have to use fajita seasoning?
You can use taco seasoning or your own spice blend as a substitute.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well before searing.

How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild as written—add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like more heat.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole is one of those meals that delivers all the punchy Tex-Mex flavor you crave—with the ease of a comforting baked dish.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cheesy and satisfying, this casserole will hit the spot every single time. Bonus: the leftovers are even better the next day!

The Boat Shed Kitchen