This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of BUSH’S® Beans. All opinions are 100% mine.
Chicken Fajita Casserole is an easy weeknight recipe featuring sautéed fajita vegetables, BUSH’S Black Bean Fiesta™, a tangy sour cream-lime sauce, and melted cheese over tender chicken breasts, all baked together in a skillet for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Chicken Fajita Casserole
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a weeknight favorite at our house. It captures everything we love about Tex-Mex: bright peppers and onions, savory seasoned chicken, creamy tang from sour cream and lime, and hearty beans for texture and protein. The casserole bakes in the oven until the chicken is juicy and the cheese is golden — comfort food that feels special but is simple to make.
We enjoy tacos, fajitas, nachos, and burrito bowls regularly, and this casserole delivers those same vibrant flavors with less hands-on time. It’s an easy way to serve a crowd or to make a family dinner that both kids and adults will enjoy. The recipe pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, warmed tortillas, or tortilla chips for scooping.
When I plan family meals, I aim for dishes that are both tasty and convenient. This casserole comes together quickly because many of the ingredients are pantry staples or readily available fresh produce. Using a flavorful canned bean like BUSH’S Black Bean Fiesta™ adds seasoning and convenience, so you don’t need to fuss with extra steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is straightforward and easy to keep on hand. Here’s what to prepare before you begin:
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion, sliced
- Bell peppers (a mix of colors works well), sliced into strips
- Garlic, minced
- Sour cream
- Fresh lime juice
- Fajita seasoning
- Chicken breast cutlets (pounded to even thickness)
- BUSH’S Black Bean Fiesta™ (one can)
- Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Do You Need a Cast Iron Skillet?
While a cast iron skillet is convenient because it transfers directly from stovetop to oven, it’s not required. If you don’t have an ovenproof sauté pan, sauté the vegetables in a regular skillet, then transfer the chicken and vegetables into a casserole dish before baking. The final flavor and texture will be the same.
What Are Chicken Cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are simply chicken breasts sliced horizontally and pounded to an even thickness. They cook quickly and evenly, which makes this casserole fast to prepare. Most grocery stores sell pre-packaged cutlets, or you can slice larger breasts yourself. If you use very thick chicken breasts, plan for extra oven time to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How to Assemble
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F. Sauté sliced onions and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until they soften, then add garlic just until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, and fajita seasoning to make a tangy sauce. Move the vegetables to the side of the skillet and arrange the chicken cutlets in an even layer. Spread the sour cream mixture over the chicken, sprinkle some cheese on each piece, then spoon the seasoned black beans over the top and scatter remaining peppers. Finish with the rest of the cheese and bake until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
- Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, warmed tortillas, or tortilla chips.
- Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of extra sour cream or salsa.
- To make it lighter, use reduced-fat sour cream and a moderate amount of cheese.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch or dinner.
Ingredients (concise list)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 1½ pounds chicken breast cutlets
- 1 can BUSH’S Black Bean Fiesta™
- 1½ cups Mexican cheese blend
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions (brief)
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet or ovenproof pan. Sauté onions and peppers, then add garlic.
- Whisk sour cream, lime juice, and fajita seasoning. Set aside.
- Move vegetables to the side and arrange chicken in a single layer in the skillet. Spread the sour cream mixture over the chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
- Top with BUSH’S Black Bean Fiesta™ and some peppers, then finish with remaining cheese. Bake about 25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice, tortillas, or chips.