🌶️ Fajita Chicken CasseroleA bold, cheesy twist on fajitas — all baked into one irresistible casserole!

image 32 Recipe

🕒 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

image 32 Recipe

🧑‍🍳 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Add Peppers
    Toss in sliced red bell pepper and cook just until they start to soften.
  3. 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!

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