Craving a dish full of explosive flavor, but need to keep it keto? I've got your back! The keto chicken fajita casserole is a satisfying solution that combines tender, juicy chicken, bell peppers in all colors, and just the right hit of spices. It's the ultimate low-carb, keto-friendly take on a beloved Mexican food classic.
Looking for a mouthwatering keto-friendly dish? Look no further than this Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole! Packed with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of flavorful spices, this low-carb casserole is a must-try for anyone following the keto diet. With tender chicken strips seasoned to perfection and a gooey combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, this easy weeknight dinner is a delicious and satisfying option for the entire family. Discover how to make this tantalizing dish with our step-by-step recipe, complete with nutritional information.
Picture it: a gooey blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, spiced rotisserie chicken and crisp bell peppers, all baked to perfection in your trusty casserole dish. Can you smell the divine aromas already? Let's jump into the kitchen!
Supplies You'll Need to Create Magic with Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
To begin, ensure that you have all the right tools at your disposal:
- Large Skillet or Instant Pot: For sautéing and cooking your chicken and veggies.
- Large Bowl: To mix your ingredients together.
- Baking Dish: To bake the casserole.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the fajita seasoning.
- Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole while it bakes.
- Airtight Container: For storing leftovers.
- Plastic Wrap: Alternatively, for wrapping leftovers.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements.
Having the right tools will make your journey to creating the perfect keto chicken fajita casserole a lot easier.
Step-by-step Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, all sliced into thin strips
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- 1/2 cup green chiles (optional)
- Keto tortillas
Homemade Fajita Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for your homemade fajita seasoning. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in your large skillet or Instant Pot over medium heat.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the skillet. Season the chicken with half of the fajita seasoning mix. Cook until the chicken strips reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring much flavor and tender chicken.
- Remove the cooked chicken and set aside in a large bowl. In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and red onion until crisp-tender.
- Cut the cooked chicken into thin strips and combine it with the sautéed vegetables. Add the remaining fajita seasoning and stir until well combined.
- Layer half of the shredded chicken and vegetables mixture in your baking dish. Spread cream cheese over it, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack.
- Repeat with another layer of chicken and veggies, then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve your keto chicken fajita casserole on keto tortillas, or alongside cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb boost.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this keto chicken fajita casserole contains approximately:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 28g
This nutritional information is based on using chicken breasts. If you use chicken thighs, expect slightly higher fat and calorie content.
15 Delicious Side Dishes to Pair with Your Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to regular rice.
- Keto Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy salad that's a great addition.
- Green Salad: Fresh greens with an olive oil and lemon dressing.
- Guacamole: Full of healthy fats.
- Grilled Asparagus: For a smoky touch.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Light and refreshing.
- Lettuce Wraps: For some extra crunch.
- Avocado Salsa: A delicious, creamy salsa.
- Lime Cilantro Cauliflower Rice: Flavorful and fragrant.
- Grilled Zucchini: A summery side.
- Black Beans: If you're following a more relaxed low-carb diet.
- Steamed Broccoli: For a dose of greens.
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice: For a spicy kick.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Simple and elegant.
- A dollop of sour cream: For added richness.
Key Takeaways
- The keto chicken fajita casserole is a great way to enjoy your favorite Mexican restaurant dish while sticking to your low-carb or ketogenic diet.
- Use a variety of bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Homemade fajita seasoning ensures you control the ingredients, avoiding hidden carbs.
- Using an Instant Pot or slow cooker can make the process even more straightforward, allowing you to cook your chicken to perfection with minimal effort.
- Serving the casserole with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice, green salad, or even lettuce wraps can help keep the meal keto-friendly.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick and easy weeknight dinner the next day.
Wrap It Up
The keto chicken fajita casserole is the perfect marriage between an easy-to-make comfort food and a delicious Mexican fiesta. Whether you're new to the keto diet, looking for new casserole recipes, or just want a meal the whole family will love, this delicious casserole is a great choice. Plus, it's perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy the taste of your favorite Mexican food any day of the week.
Remember to pair your casserole with a colorful side to make your plate even more exciting. And don't forget the dollop of sour cream!
So next time you're thinking about what to cook for the entire family, remember this recipe. Because the best things in life are shared, and this keto chicken fajita casserole recipe is definitely one to share. Buen provecho!
Hello, I'm Melissa, the founder and visionary behind Everyday Ketogenic. With more than 12 years of experience in content creation, recipe development, and blogging, I've cultivated this platform into a leading resource for anyone interested in the ketogenic lifestyle. Everyday Ketogenic is my canvas, where I paint with words and ideas, bringing the keto world to life.