Yummy Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Indulge in the savory flavors of the Southwest with this Yummy Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, all baked together for a comforting meal that is both delicious and healthy. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole is low in Weight Watchers points, making it a guilt-free option for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

For Topping (Optional):

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and achieves a deliciously golden top.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the drained black beans and diced tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and mix well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Prepare the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the cream cheese to the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring until fully incorporated and creamy.
  6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This size allows for proper cooking and even distribution of flavors.
  7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  9. Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired.
  10. Serve: Serve warm, with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or whole grain tortillas.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves about 6)

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 24g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

  • Freestyle SmartPoints: 6 points per serving
  • PointsPlus: 7 points per serving

Useful Tips

  • Meal Prep: This casserole is great for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, or spinach, to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or using a spicier salsa. This is a great way to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or with whole grain rice for a complete meal. Whole wheat tortillas can also be a great addition for scooping up the casserole.

Final Thoughts

The Yummy Creamy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delightful, comforting dish that brings together the flavors of chicken fajitas in a creamy, cheesy format. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is not only satisfying but also fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. With its hearty ingredients and low SmartPoints value, you can indulge in all the flavors you love without compromising your goals.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting taste of this creamy casserole that will surely become a staple in your household!