Quick Chicken Dinners: 20-Minute Chicken Fajita Casserole

Name: Quick Chicken Dinners: 20-Minute Chicken Fajita Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Diced avocado

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In the frantic rush of weeknight evenings, the question “What’s for dinner?” can feel daunting. You need quick chicken dinners that are not only fast but also packed with flavor, satisfying for the whole family, and don’t leave a mountain of dishes. This 20-Minute Chicken Fajita Casserole is the answer. It’s a vibrant, delicious, one-pan meal that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dinner with minimal effort.

Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times. This dish delivers all the smoky, zesty flavors of traditional fajitas in a comforting, cheesy casserole format. It’s designed for busy people who still crave a home-cooked meal that feels a little special. Get ready to make this your new go-to weeknight wonder.

Why This Is The Ultimate Quick Chicken Dinner

When it comes to quick chicken dinners, this recipe stands out for three key reasons: speed, flavor, and simplicity. It’s strategically designed to get you from pantry to table in record time.

Ready in 20 Minutes Flat

By using pre-cooked chicken (like a rotisserie chicken) and quick-cooking vegetables, you eliminate the longest steps. The entire dish comes together in a single skillet and finishes under the broiler for that perfect bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping. It’s the ideal solution for those evenings when you’re short on time but not willing to compromise on a delicious meal.

Packed with Bold Fajita Flavor

We use a classic blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika to create that authentic fajita taste you love. Sautéed bell peppers and onions add sweetness and texture, while a generous layer of melted cheese brings everything together in a harmony of flavor. It’s a fiesta in every bite.

One-Pan for Easy Cleanup

Everything is cooked in one oven-safe skillet. This means no extra pots or pans to scrub after dinner. That’s a massive win for any busy home cook. Less time cleaning means more time enjoying your evening with your loved ones.

Ingredients for Your Speedy Chicken Fajita Casserole

The beauty of this quick chicken dinner lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

For the Casserole

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional Toppings

Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Diced avocado
Your favorite salsa or pico de gallo
Sliced jalapeños

A serving of the 20-minute chicken dinner on a plate, topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro to showcase a finished meal. — Dinner is served! A perfect plate of our 20-minute chicken fajita casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to get this delicious and quick chicken dinner on your table in just 20 minutes.

Preheat the Broiler: Turn your oven’s broiler on to high and position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Spices and Chicken: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Add the shredded chicken and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together until the chicken is heated through and well-coated in the spices.
Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture.
Broil to Perfection: Carefully place the skillet under the preheated broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown in spots.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool for a minute before serving hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Best Quick Chicken Dinner

A few simple tricks can make this recipe even easier and more delicious. For another incredibly simple weeknight meal, try these chicken ranch roll-ups.

Use a Rotisserie Chicken

This is the ultimate shortcut. A store-bought rotisserie chicken saves you from having to cook raw chicken, cutting down prep time significantly. Simply shred the meat and you’re ready to go.

Prep Veggies Ahead

To make this quick chicken dinner even faster, slice your peppers and onions in the morning or the day before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This little bit of meal prep makes assembly a breeze.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Use a large enough skillet to ensure the vegetables can sauté properly without steaming. This helps them develop a nice char and better flavor, which is crucial for that classic fajita taste.

A close-up shot of the quick chicken fajita casserole in an oven-safe skillet, with perfectly melted golden-brown cheese over chicken and peppers. — Look at that perfectly bubbly, golden-brown cheese! This is what quick chicken dinners are all about.

Fun Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it to your liking. If you’re looking for another family-friendly casserole, this ground beef and potato casserole is always a huge hit.

Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans with the chicken for extra fiber and protein.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices or top the finished casserole with fresh or pickled jalapeños.
Switch up the Cheese: Try using Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar.
Serve it Differently: While it’s a complete meal on its own, you can serve this casserole over cilantro-lime rice, quinoa, or with warm tortillas on the side. For those who love easy handhelds, consider these amazing buffalo chicken sliders.

How to Store and Reheat

This dish is great for leftovers! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I make with chicken breast for a quick dinner?

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a perfect quick dinner for chicken breast! Simply shred cooked chicken breast and follow the recipe. Other quick ideas include chicken stir-fries, simple grilled chicken salads, or chicken quesadillas.

What is the fastest way to cook chicken?

The fastest way is to use pre-cooked chicken, like from a rotisserie chicken. If starting with raw chicken, cutting it into small, thin pieces and cooking it in a hot skillet is the quickest method, usually taking only 5-7 minutes.

How can I make chicken taste good fast?

The key to fast flavor is using bold spices and high heat. A good spice blend, like the chili powder and cumin mix in this recipe, combined with a quick sauté or broil, adds immense flavor in minutes. A squeeze of citrus or fresh herbs at the end also helps.

Can I make this a one-pan quick chicken dinner with raw chicken?

Yes! To adapt this recipe, slice one pound of raw chicken breast into thin strips. Cook it in the skillet for 5-7 minutes until cooked through, then remove it. Sauté your veggies in the same pan, then add the chicken back in and proceed with the recipe.

Is this a healthy quick chicken dinner?

It can be! It’s packed with protein and vegetables. To make it even healthier, you can use a little less cheese and serve it with a side salad or over quinoa. Topping with avocado and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream also adds healthy fats and protein.

More Easy Dinner Ideas

We hope you love this 20-Minute Chicken Fajita Casserole as much as we do! It proves that quick chicken dinners can be exciting, flavorful, and incredibly easy. If you make it, let us know what you think in the comments below. For more delicious recipes and visual inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

A vibrant pin image for quick chicken dinners, featuring a skillet of cheesy chicken fajita casserole with a text overlay that reads '20-Minute Weeknight Wonder'. — The ultimate solution for busy weeknights: A 20-minute, one-pan chicken fajita casserole!

Quick Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe

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