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- 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 - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 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. - ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Shredded cheese variations 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. {{ingredient_image_1}} 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. 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! - Ensuring the chicken is cooked thoroughly: Cook the chicken until it's no longer pink. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F. This keeps your dish safe and tasty. - Best practices for sautéing vegetables: Start with a hot skillet and keep stirring. This helps the veggies cook evenly. Wait until the bell peppers and onions are soft but not mushy. - Spice adjustments for personal taste: Feel free to add more chili powder for heat or more cumin for depth. Trust your taste buds to get it just right. - Pairing with sides: Serve with a fresh salad or cauliflower rice. This keeps the meal light and low-carb while adding crunch. - Garnishing ideas: Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. This adds a bright flavor that complements the dish. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve in a colorful dish to make it pop. A sprinkle of cheese on top right before serving makes it look even more tempting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh bell peppers and onions for the best flavor and texture. Fresh veggies enhance the overall taste of your casserole. Don't Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until browned to avoid drying it out in the oven. It will continue cooking while baking with the other ingredients. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika to suit your heat preference. You can also add jalapeños for an extra kick! Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for a quick and easy meal! {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 table!

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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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