This Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole brings vibrant flavors right to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s a dish that perfectly balances tender, seasoned chicken with colorful, crisp-tender peppers and onions, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce. The magic truly happens when the cheese melts into a gooey, golden topping, making every bite a comforting delight. This recipe is your new weeknight hero.
I often make this easy keto chicken casserole when I need a quick, satisfying meal after a long day. It comes together so fast, and the leftovers are fantastic. My family loves its familiar fajita taste, and I love that it’s a healthy, low-carb option. It’s a true crowd-pleaser for busy families.
Why I Love This Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
Oh, this keto chicken fajita casserole is a dream for so many reasons!
- It’s incredibly quick for those rushed weeknights.
- The flavor is so vibrant and satisfying.
- It’s a wonderfully versatile dish; you can adjust the spice level easily.
- Plus, who doesn’t love a delicious, creamy chicken casserole topped with bubbly cheese?
Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredients
The beauty of this keto chicken fajita casserole lies in its straightforward yet incredibly flavorful combination of simple ingredients. Think of it as a fiesta in a baking dish! Each component plays a vital role in creating that irresistible taste and texture we all crave in a comforting meal.
Core Ingredients for Your Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruity note.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Our protein powerhouse, offering a tender base for the fajita flavors.
- Onion and Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow): These veggies bring sweetness, color, and that essential fajita aroma. They cook down to tender perfection.
- Fajita Seasoning: The star spice blend that infuses everything with authentic southwest flair. (Always check for keto-friendly options!)
- Cream Cheese: This softens everything up, creating a wonderfully rich and creamy sauce binder.
- Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and body to our sauce.
- Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese: The melty, bubbly topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
Substitutions and Tips for Your Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
You’ll find the specific amounts in the recipe card below!
- Spice Check: Make sure your fajita seasoning is sugar-free. Some store-bought mixes hide a lot of carbs!
- Heat It Up: Want a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some minced jalapeños with the veggies.
- Veggie Swaps: Feel free to add mushrooms or zucchini if you have them on hand.
- Make Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole (before baking) up to a day in advance. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook. The leftovers reheat like a charm!
- Protein Power: Chicken thighs offer extra moisture and flavor, though breasts work wonderfully too.
How to Make Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
Let’s get cooking! Making this flavorful low carb chicken casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a delicious keto dinner.
Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents any sticking. It’s the perfect start for our chicken bake.
Sauté the Chicken
Grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them browned nicely. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Set it aside for now.
Tenderize the Vegetables
To that same skillet, add your sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook these for 5-7 minutes. You want them to get tender-crisp. Now, stir in the fajita seasoning. Let it cook for another minute. The aroma will be amazing!
Create the Creamy Fajita Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir everything really well. Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts. It will create a creamy sauce. This sauce coats the chicken and veggies beautifully. This is the heart of our fajita casserole.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle about 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the top. Reserve the rest for later.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese. The casserole should be heated through. For an extra golden-brown top, you can use the broiler. Do this for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it! Nobody wants a burnt top.
Rest and Serve Your Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it stand for a few minutes. This helps it set up. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing. Enjoy this delicious keto dinner!
How to Store Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
Leftovers of this wonderful keto chicken fajita casserole are a treat! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen casserole is best enjoyed within 2-3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Tips for Success with Your Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
Achieving the perfect keto chicken fajita casserole is simple with these quick tips:
- Seasoning Savvy: Always double-check your fajita seasoning for hidden sugars. Many store-bought brands sneak in carbs!
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your liking. Add jalapeños or cayenne for a spicier kick.
- Even Cooking: Ensure chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Sauté chicken and veggies in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Creamy Consistency: Stir the cream cheese well until fully melted for a smooth sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
This flavorful keto chicken fajita casserole is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Serve with a side of creamy cauliflower rice.
- Pair with a simple green salad and avocado.
- Offer low-carb tortillas for wrapping.
- Enjoy with a refreshing, sugar-free margarita.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is delicious.
Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A flavorful and easy Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole, perfect for a low-carb meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (check for keto-friendly without sugar)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, divided
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add sliced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir in the fajita seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir well until the cream cheese is melted and creates a creamy sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. For a golden top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired. Great served on its own or with cauliflower rice or low-carb tortillas.
Notes
- Ensure your fajita seasoning is keto-friendly and does not contain added sugars.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated.
