Fajita Chicken Casserole (Print version)
Juicy chicken, peppers, onions, fajita spices, and melted cheese baked into an easy low-carb casserole.
# Ingredients:
For the casserole
01 -
2 lb (900 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-size pieces
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
03 -
2 teaspoons chili powder
04 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
3 large bell peppers, mixed colors, sliced
11 -
1 large yellow onion, sliced
12 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
13 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) salsa
14 -
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
15 -
1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese
For serving
16 -
1 lime, cut into wedges
17 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
18 -
Sour cream, avocado, rice, cauliflower rice, or tortillas, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Transfer it to the baking dish.
04 -
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Cook the bell peppers and onion for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender with browned edges. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
05 -
Scatter the peppers and onions over the chicken. Stir the salsa and softened cream cheese together until mostly smooth, then spoon it over the casserole. Top with shredded cheese.
06 -
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chicken reaches 165 F in the center. Rest for 5 minutes, then finish with lime juice and cilantro.
# Good to know:
01 -
Resting for 5 minutes helps the creamy layer settle before serving.
02 -
Use a gluten-free fajita seasoning blend if substituting a store-bought packet.
03 -
Serve as is for low carb, or spoon into warm tortillas for a bigger meal.