Sizzling Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole (Creamy, Cheesy & Flavor-Packed!)
Bring the vibrant flavors of fajitas to your dinner table in an easy, comforting casserole with this Sizzling Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole! Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and savory onion are sautéed, then baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with authentic taco seasoning. This simple, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free meal is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a lively dinner right here in Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 bell peppers (various colors like red, yellow, green), cored, seeded, and sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning (KETO NOTE: Check ingredients for no added sugar or fillers)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Equipment:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Medium mixing bowl (for sauce)
- Whisk
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Veggies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice all bell peppers and the onion. Cube the chicken thighs.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed chicken thighs and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside in a medium bowl.
- Sauté Veggies: Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet (add a little more olive oil if needed). Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still have a slight bite.
- Make Creamy Fajita Sauce: While the veggies are cooking, in the bowl with the cooked chicken, add the taco seasoning, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir all ingredients together very well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine & Transfer: Add the sautéed peppers and onions from the skillet to the bowl with the chicken and creamy sauce mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the entire casserole evenly with 1 ¾ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a small sprinkle for garnish if desired).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is fully melted and lightly golden. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your sizzling chicken fajita casserole!
Tips for Success:
- Keto Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasonings often contain sugar or starches. Look for brands that explicitly state “no sugar added” or make your own blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper).
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is truly softened for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: Sauté the peppers and onions until tender-crisp, as they will continue to soften in the oven.
- Chicken Thighs: Thighs are recommended as they stay more moist and flavorful than breasts in a casserole, but breasts can be used.
- Customize: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or top with sliced avocado or guacamole after baking.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole is fantastic on its own, or you can serve it with a side of cauliflower rice, a simple green salad, or keto tortillas.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and cheeses.
- High Fat: Yes, from the chicken thighs, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using non-starchy vegetables, chicken, and dairy, with a keto-compliant taco seasoning.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the taco seasoning used is sugar-free and free of problematic fillers. All other ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-f
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