Save This Mango Chicken Fajita Casserole bursts with flavor and color for an easy Tex-Mex dinner that gets my whole family running to the table. Juicy chicken mingles with sweet mango and a trio of vibrant peppers beneath a cheesy golden blanket—every bite delivers a sunny, mildly spicy kick perfect for any night.
I actually whipped this up to jazz up our usual chicken bake. It was such a hit, my mother-in-law immediately asked for the recipe, which is a rare badge of honor.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: fresh and firm for juiciness select those with no blemishes or odor for best flavor
- Ripe mango: yields slightly to gentle pressure for bursts of sweetness balance the Tex-Mex heat with a hint of tropical flavor
- Red yellow and green bell peppers: look for firm shiny skins for crisp texture each color adds different sweetness and crunch
- Red onion: adds a gentle bite and beautiful color use medium not oversized onions for balanced flavor
- Fresh garlic: select firm cloves with tight skin for the best aromatic boost
- Olive oil: cold pressed extra virgin brings richness and helps spices stick
- Chili powder: opt for a fresh blending for a smoky heat check the color vibrant red means fresher
- Ground cumin and coriander: earthy notes that deepen Tex-Mex flavor look for aromatic loose powders
- Smoked paprika: choose Spanish style for big flavor boosts a gentle smokiness
- Dried oregano: classic Tex-Mex herb for complexity check that it crumbles easily for freshness
- Salt and black pepper: add as needed to highlight all other flavors
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: shred from a block if possible for better melting both add richness and a gooey finish
- Fresh cilantro: brightens the casserole at the end choose bunches with perky leaves
- Lime wedges: pick heavy limes for maximum juice a squeeze wakes up the savory flavors
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready to go as soon as you finish prep. Grease a large casserole dish with a thin layer of oil or butter to prevent sticking. This simple start ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl add the chicken strips and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle all the spices and seasonings over the chicken. Toss continuously using clean hands or tongs until every strip is evenly coated and the color has changed to a light reddish hue from the seasonings. Let this mixture sit for at least five minutes for flavors to penetrate.
- Prepare the Veggies and Mango:
- Slice the bell peppers and red onion into even strips for uniform cooking. Dice the mango into chunks slightly bigger than a sugar cube so they hold their shape. Add all to the bowl with the chicken along with minced garlic. Mix gently so the mango does not mash but everything mingles evenly.
- Assemble in the Casserole:
- Pour the contents of the bowl into your greased casserole dish. Use clean hands or a spatula to gently spread the chicken veggie and mango mixture into a single layer. Distribute things so every bite will have mango and pepper tucked alongside the chicken.
- Bake Until Tender:
- Place the casserole uncovered on the center oven rack. Bake for twenty five minutes total. This timing ensures the chicken cooks through and veggies soften while the mango slightly caramelizes at the edges.
- Add the Cheese:
- Remove casserole from the oven briefly. Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over every inch of the top. Return to oven for eight to ten more minutes. The cheese should melt completely and start bubbling but watch so it does not brown too deeply.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a couple minutes. Garnish with a generous amount of fresh chopped cilantro for fragrance and a lovely green accent. Plate servings and finish each with a good squeeze from a lime wedge.
Save The mango really shines here I remember the first time my youngest tried it she was so surprised by the sweet pops of fruit with all that savory cheese now she requests extra mango every time we make it.
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. This casserole tastes just as good the next day. Reheat covered in the oven at a low temperature so the cheese stays melty and the chicken does not dry.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have mango try fresh pineapple or even firm peaches for a different burst of sweetness. For the cheese you can swap in any blend that melts easily like Colby or mozzarella. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for super busy nights just remember to cut down the initial baking time since the chicken is pre-cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with cooked brown rice or warm corn tortillas to soak up the juices. A fresh green salad with avocado rounds out the meal beautifully. Top each serving with pickled jalapenos or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for an extra twist.
Cultural and Historical Context
Fajitas were popularized by Texas ranch cooks as a way to use grilled skirt steak with peppers and onions. The casserole twist makes this tradition quick and family-friendly. Adding mango adds a Caribbean accent that plays beautifully with the Tex-Mex spice blend and feels perfect whenever mangoes are in season.
Save Try this casserole for your next Tex-Mex night and watch it disappear faster than you expect. It is just as popular the second day and shines for family potlucks.
Recipe Help
- → Can I use pineapple instead of mango?
Yes, pineapple provides a tropical sweetness that pairs well with the chicken and fajita spices.
- → How do I make this spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas to round out the meal.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all main ingredients are gluten-free. Check cheeses for allergen safety.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well. Reduce initial baking time by 10 minutes.
- → What garnishes work best?
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges add freshness and zest to the finished casserole.