Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole: Servings For Your Next Feast

Chicken fajita casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. But how many servings does it yield? Most recipes for this keto-friendly dish typically serve around 6-8 people, making it a great option for families or those who want leftovers. So, if you're looking to feed a crowd or just yourself, this casserole has got you covered!

Chicken fajita casserole prep and cooking overview

This chicken fajita casserole is a quick and easy meal to prepare and cook, perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a one-pan dish that can be made in a cast-iron skillet or an oven-proof baking dish. The prep and cooking time is approximately 40 minutes in total.

Ingredients:

First, gather and measure all the ingredients. You will need chicken, vegetables (bell peppers, onions, and optional extras like jalapeños or olives), cheese, seasoning, and some form of fat (butter, oil, or ghee).

Prep:

Start by slicing the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the vegetables. Grate or shred the cheese if needed. You can also prepare any desired toppings, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, or fresh herbs, and keep them refrigerated until serving.

Cooking:

Preheat your oven to between 350-450°F. In a large skillet or oven-proof dish, heat your chosen fat and add the chicken. Brown the chicken for a few minutes on each side, then add the vegetables and seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are tender, around 4-5 minutes.

Next, stir in any additional ingredients like tomatoes, cream cheese, or sour cream. Top with shredded cheese and transfer the dish to the oven. Bake for around 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving:

This chicken fajita casserole can be served as it is or with a variety of sides. Try cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, a fresh side salad, or lettuce wraps. Top with avocado, sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce for extra flavor and freshness.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
• You can use pre-cooked or shredded chicken to save time.
• If you want to add more vegetables, try zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or green chilies.
• This casserole can also be made in a slow cooker or crockpot. Layer the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Chicken fajita casserole ingredients

Chicken fajita casserole is a great dish to make for a family dinner or when you're short on time. It's a simple, tasty meal that can be made in one pan and is packed with classic fajita ingredients. Here are the ingredients you'll need:

Chicken

Use boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.

Vegetables

• Bell peppers (use different colours for a vibrant dish)
• Onions (yellow, white, red, or sweet)
• Jalapenos (optional, for spice)

Seasoning

Fajita seasoning is a must for this dish. You can make your own by blending spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder, or use a store-bought packet. Taco seasoning can also be used as a substitute.

Dairy

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or Pepper Jack for spice)

Extras

You can also add extras like avocado slices, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, or hot sauce to taste.

Chicken fajita casserole ingredient substitutions

Chicken fajita casserole is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ingredient substitutions you can consider for your chicken fajita casserole:

Chicken

• While boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts are commonly used, you can also use chicken tenderloins or rotisserie chicken.
• For a beef option, try thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak.

Vegetables

• Bell peppers: Use any colour you prefer, such as red, green, yellow, or orange.
• Onions: Try yellow, white, red, or sweet varieties.
• Jalapenos: If you like spice, keep the seeds. For a milder flavour, remove the seeds or omit them entirely. You can also substitute with mild green chillies.
• Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a unique flavour, but you can use regular diced tomatoes or salsa instead.

Seasoning

• Fajita seasoning: You can use store-bought fajita seasoning or make your own blend with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chilli powder.
• Taco seasoning: If you don't have fajita seasoning, taco seasoning is a suitable alternative.

Dairy

• Cheese: The recipe typically calls for shredded cheddar cheese, but you can use Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or a combination of different cheeses. For a spicier kick, try Pepper Jack cheese.
• Sour cream: If you're looking for a tangy topping, Greek yoghurt makes a great substitute.
• Cream cheese: This ingredient adds a delicious creamy texture to the dish.

Other Substitutions

• Rice: While instant rice shortens the cook time, you can use regular rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Beans: Black beans or pinto beans add nutrition, fibre, and flavour to the casserole.
• Tortilla chips: These make a delicious crunchy side dish or topping.
• Avocado, salsa, or cilantro: Fresh toppings like these add a pop of flavour and texture to your casserole.

Chicken fajita casserole toppings

Chicken fajita casserole is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas for toppings and sides to elevate your chicken fajita casserole:

Fresh and Healthy Toppings

For a refreshing twist, add some freshly sliced avocado or guacamole on top of your casserole. You can also include a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkling of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to your chicken fajita casserole. If you're serving your casserole with a side salad, consider adding some avocado slices, salsa, or a drizzle of chipotle crema or roasted chilli corn salsa.

Cheesy Toppings

For cheese lovers, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can use shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. If you prefer a spicier option, go for Pepper Jack cheese. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of your casserole before baking it to create a bubbly, golden topping.

Spicy Toppings

If you like your food with a kick, add some sliced jalapeños or other spicy peppers to your casserole. You can also incorporate spicy sausage or use taco seasoning instead of fajita seasoning for an extra punch of heat.

Savory Toppings

Olives are a great addition to your chicken fajita casserole, providing a savoury and briny flavour. You can also sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for added freshness and a mild onion flavour.

Tangy Toppings

For a tangy twist, squeeze some fresh lime juice over your casserole or add a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also serve your casserole with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which will help balance out the spice and add a creamy texture.

Sides

As for sides, cauliflower rice is a perfect pairing as it can absorb the sauce from the casserole. Zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, and a fresh green side salad are also excellent choices to round out your meal. If you're looking for a low-carb option, consider using large lettuce leaves as wraps for your casserole.

Chicken fajita casserole cooking instructions

This chicken fajita casserole recipe is a quick, easy, and tasty meal for the whole family. It's perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a hit with those following a keto diet. Here are the step-by-step cooking instructions to guide you through the process.

Ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 2 pounds)
• Bell peppers (a mix of colours is recommended)
• Onion (yellow, white, or red)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Fajita seasoning or taco seasoning (can be store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, etc.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350-400°F (about 180-200°C).
• If using chicken breasts, cut them into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
• In an oven-proof skillet or a large frying pan, heat some olive oil or butter over medium heat. You can also use cooking spray.
• Add the chicken to the pan and cook until done, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until tender and starting to soften, about 4-5 minutes. You can also add spices like taco seasoning or fajita seasoning at this step.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheese. You can also add sour cream and spices to this mixture if desired.
• Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to a greased baking dish or casserole dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool down for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve with your favourite toppings and sides, such as avocado slices, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, cauliflower rice, or a side salad.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use pre-cooked or shredded chicken to save time.
• If you want to add more vegetables, try sliced zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños.
• To make it spicier, include green chillies or jalapeños.
• You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you're ready to serve.
• This casserole can also be made in a slow cooker or crockpot. Simply layer all the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free taco or fajita seasoning and gluten-free cream cheese.
• If you want to reduce the fat content, use chicken breasts instead of thighs and reduce the amount of cheese.

Frequently asked questions