Low Carb Chicken Fajita Casserole Quick and Easy Meal

Looking for a quick meal that packs flavor without the carbs? This Low Carb Chicken Fajita Casserole is your answer! I’ll guide you through simple steps to create a delicious dinner that's both satisfying and healthy. With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty spices, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Let’s dive into the tasty ingredients and cooking tips that make this casserole a weeknight favorite!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

For this low carb chicken fajita casserole, I start with chicken breasts. They provide protein and are great for any meal. Next, I add bell peppers and onions for a fresh crunch and flavor. I love the colors they bring to the dish. Garlic adds a nice aroma, while olive oil helps everything cook well.

The spices are key. Ground cumin gives warmth. Smoked paprika adds depth, and chili powder brings a hint of heat. Oregano rounds out the flavors. Salt and pepper enhance everything, making sure it all pops. Finally, I mix in drained diced tomatoes for juiciness and texture.

Optional Toppings

After baking, I like to top the casserole with cheese. Cheddar melts beautifully and adds richness. You can also try other cheese varieties, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.

For a creamy touch, I choose sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both add tang and coolness to the dish. Fresh cilantro gives a pop of color and flavor. It brightens the meal and makes it look great on the table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even baking.

2. Prepare the chicken and vegetables. Start by dicing the chicken breasts into small pieces. Then slice the bell pepper and onion. You want these to be bite-sized for easy eating.

3. Cook the fajita mix in a skillet. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken. Cook it until browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the veggies soften. Next, stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to wake up the spices. Finally, mix in the drained diced tomatoes.

Baking the Casserole

1. Transfer to the baking dish. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour in the chicken mixture. Spread it out evenly. Top with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

2. Baking time and temperature. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

3. Final steps before serving. After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

This low carb chicken fajita casserole is simple and full of flavor!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

Serving Suggestions

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap regular chicken with ground turkey or beef. They work well in this dish. For a meat-free option, try beans or tofu. These choices still pack a good punch of protein.

If you want fewer carbs, use zucchini or cauliflower instead of beans. They add texture and soak up flavors. You can also replace the diced tomatoes with fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce. Each choice brings a unique taste to your casserole.

Flavor Variations

Adding more veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Try corn, spinach, or mushrooms. These will enhance the taste and make your casserole colorful. You can also mix in some black olives for a salty twist.

Cheese is key in this dish. If you want a different taste, swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack. These cheeses melt well and add a nice kick.

For spice lovers, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your casserole a fiery kick. Adjust the spice to your liking for a dish that truly fits your taste.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can also cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the flavors fresh.

The shelf life in the fridge is about 3 to 4 days. It’s best to eat it within this time for quality and taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

Reheating Instructions

The best methods for reheating are in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.

For the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat it on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

To avoid drying out, add a splash of water or broth before reheating. This keeps the casserole juicy and tasty.

FAQs

Common Questions

What is the best way to make this casserole low-carb?

To keep this casserole low-carb, focus on using fresh vegetables. You can swap out some of the tomatoes for extra bell peppers or zucchini. These veggies add flavor and cut carbs. Use low-carb cheese as well, like mozzarella, for a tasty topping.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish ahead! Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them in the fridge. This makes it easy to bake later. You can also assemble the casserole and cover it with foil. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this casserole dairy-free, skip the cheese and sour cream. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for topping. For a creamy texture, you can add avocado or use a dairy-free yogurt. This keeps the dish tasty and still low-carb.

Nutritional Information

Carbohydrate count and health benefits

This casserole is low in carbs, with about 8 grams per serving. The veggies add fiber and vitamins. This dish helps you feel full without adding extra carbs. It's a smart choice for those on low-carb diets or looking to eat healthier.

Macronutrient breakdown

Each serving has around 30 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 8 grams of carbs. This balance helps keep your energy steady. The protein from chicken also helps build muscle, while healthy fats support your body’s needs.

Meal Prep Ideas

How to incorporate into weekly meal prep

You can include this casserole in your meal prep by making a large batch. Divide it into single servings. This makes lunch or dinner easy all week long. Just heat up a portion when you need a quick meal.

Freezing options for long-term storage

You can freeze this casserole too! Just make sure it cools down first. Place it in an airtight container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

In this blog post, we covered everything for making a delicious chicken fajita casserole. You learned about the main ingredients like chicken, peppers, and spices, along with optional toppings. We walked through preparation and baking steps for perfect results. I shared tips for cooking, serving, and even variations to fit your taste. Finally, we discussed storage and meal prep ideas to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy your cooking journey and try new flavors. With these insights, you can create a dish that satisfies everyone at the tabl

Low Carb Chicken Fajita Casserole

A delicious and healthy chicken fajita casserole that's low in carbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 large bell pepper (red or green), sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 2 sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
• to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the veggies are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
• Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices become aromatic.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the drained diced tomatoes, mixing everything together evenly.
• Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro for garnish.

Keyword casserole, chicken, fajitas, low carb