Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or use leftover chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced (use a mix of colors: red, yellow, green)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Cook the Veggies:

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

  • Spread the cooked chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
  • Top the chicken with the sautéed peppers and onions, spreading them evenly.
  • Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake the Casserole:

  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

6. Garnish and Serve:

  • Once out of the oven, garnish the casserole with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty touch, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: ~350
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Protein: ~28g
  • Net Carbs: ~5g
  • Fiber: ~2g

Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Keto Tips:

  1. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheese to your liking. Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese adds an extra kick!
  2. Add More Veggies: You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more volume and fiber while keeping it low-carb.
  3. Spice Control: If you like a spicier casserole, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.

Benefits:

  • Low in Carbs: With only about 5g net carbs per serving, this dish fits perfectly into a keto diet.
  • High in Protein: The chicken provides a great source of protein to keep you full and fueled.
  • Healthy Fats: The cheeses, sour cream, and cream cheese provide the necessary fats to keep your macros balanced on keto.

This Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal that’s easy to make and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor, all while being low in carbs! Enjoy it with a side of cauliflower rice or on its own for a satisfying dinner.