🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🥗 Dietary Tags: Low-Carb, High-Protein, Gluten-Free (check seasoning)
✅ Ingredients Checklist
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Fajita seasoning mix (packet or homemade)
Olive oil
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
🧑🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season chicken with fajita seasoning and toss to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned (does not need to be cooked through).
Add sliced bell pepper and sauté for 2 more minutes.
Transfer everything to a casserole dish, spreading out evenly.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and bell peppers are tender.
Optional: Top with shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty finish.
💡 Quick Notes
Great served over rice, cauliflower rice, or wrapped in low-carb tortillas.
Make it your own by adding onions, jalapeños, or black beans.
Keto-friendly, especially if you skip beans or starchy add-ins.
🌟 What Makes It Special
I love fajitas, but don’t always want to stand over the stovetop — so I turned the flavors into a quick, oven-baked casserole. This dish is full of juicy, spiced chicken and tender bell peppers, all wrapped in that classic Tex-Mex flavor you crave.
📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Walkthrough
- Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat thoroughly with fajita seasoning.
Tip: Homemade seasoning gives you control over salt and spice.
- Sear for Flavor
Quickly brown chicken in olive oil. This locks in flavor and gives it a slight char — no need to fully cook yet. - Add Peppers
Toss in sliced red bell pepper and cook just until they start to soften. - Bake it Up
Transfer the skillet contents into a casserole dish and bake until chicken is tender and juicy.
Optional: Add shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes for a gooey finish.
🧾 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
🐔 Chicken
Breasts are lean and quick-cooking.
Swap: Use thighs for more richness and moisture.
🌮 Fajita Seasoning
A classic blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and more.
Homemade tip: Mix your own to skip additives and control spice.
🌶 Red Bell Pepper
Adds sweetness and color contrast.
Additions: Use a trio of peppers (red, yellow, green) for more variety.
🧀 Optional Cheese
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack melt beautifully.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan shreds or skip entirely.
🎨 Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas
🧂 Flavor Variations
Add sliced onions for classic fajita flair.
Stir in black beans or corn before baking for a Tex-Mex vibe.
Mix in 1/4 cup cream cheese before baking for a creamy twist.
🥑 Dietary Adjustments
Keto: Skip beans, corn, and serve with cauliflower rice.
Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use non-dairy options.
Gluten-Free: Use certified GF fajita seasoning.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve with rice, salad, tortillas, or lettuce wraps.
Top with sour cream, avocado, or salsa for a full fajita experience.
🧊 Storage & Reheat Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.
Make-Ahead: Assemble in dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving, est.)
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 5g (net)
Fat: 14g
Allergens: Check fajita mix and optional cheese
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use precooked chicken?
A: Yes, just skip the searing step and reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.
Q: What veggies can I add?
A: Onions, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work great!
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Definitely. Use a 9×13” dish for a double batch and add 5–10 extra minutes of baking.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Freeze cooked portions in containers. Thaw overnight in fridge, then reheat.
❤️ Final Notes & Friendly Ask
This Fajita Chicken Casserole brings all the Tex-Mex flavor with none of the fuss — it’s one of those dishes that goes into regular rotation. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think!
💬 Leave a kind comment or reaction below — it really keeps me motivated to post more recipes like this one. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me to keep sharing!
📸 Don’t forget to tag your recreations online — I love seeing your version!