Chicken fajita casserole is an easy healthy, but quick meal idea! This is the perfect dish to switch things up on Taco Tuesday. The best part of this recipe is that it is perfect for the keto diet, as no tortillas are needed!
Taco Tuesday is a real event in my house. With that being said, we don't just limit it to tacos. On Tuesdays, we pretty much each all things Mexican style. This includes tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and different Mexican side dish recipes.
Mexican food is the one thing that we all can agree on in my house, so it's actually one of the most consistent things in my life right now (which says a lot about my life, lol)!
This recipe is made using all of the traditional fajita fixings minus the tortillas.
Traditional fajitas typically all start with meat, more commonly chicken or steak. The meat is then sauteed with peppers and onions, and seasoned with fajita seasoning. You can then add cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, and any other toppings that you choose.
Thankfully, chicken fajitas are keto-friendly as long as you don't use the tortilla. You can also order them that way at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast - Low carb, and high in protein!
- Bell Peppers - I prefer to use both green and red bell peppers for an extra pop of color. This also adds another layer of flavor as red peppers are sweeter, while green peppers are more bitter in flavor.
- Onion - I know that there are a lot of folks out there who prefer to leave onions out. However, in this recipe, you will be sauteing the onions prior to adding them to the casserole. They won't be raw, and trust me they are a must for chicken fajitas!
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles - These are canned and make a great addition to any Taco Tuesday meal. They can be used as a topping, or as an extra ingredient in most Mexican recipes. I prefer the Rotel brand.
- Taco Seasoning - This gives us the tex-mex flavor that makes this recipe so delicious.
- Shredded Cheeses - Feel free to use a Mexican cheese blend here. I used Cheddar and Monterey Jack for this recipe.
- Cream Cheese - High in fat, and low in carbs which makes cream cheese absolutely perfect for keto. Not to mention, it's so good! I use it in almost all of my casserole recipes.
- Heavy Cream (optional) - This adds an extra rich creaminess to the casserole, however, it is totally optional.
Is taco seasoning keto?
Packaged taco seasoning typically contains flour and/or cornstarch. You can definitely use it in this recipe, as you'll only need 2 tablespoons spread across 12 servings of casserole so it's still low carb.
To make a simple keto taco seasoning, simply combine the following: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp salt and stir together.
How do you cut chicken breast for fajitas?
You can slice chicken breast lengthwise into thin strips or dice chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks for fajitas. For this recipe, I diced the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.
How to make chicken fajita casserole
- Start by lightly seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides, and baking it in the oven until it's cooked through (about 25 minutes).
- While the chicken is cooking, saute the bell peppers, onion, and diced tomatoes and green chiles in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, then remove from the pan and set aside in a large bowl.
- Next, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, chop the chicken into bite-sized chunks and add it to the same bowl as the peppers and onions.
- Season the chicken and vegetables with 1 tablespoon of the taco seasoning. Be sure to mix everything in the bowl, so that it is evenly coated with seasoning.
- Next, add 1/2 of the shredded cheese, all of the cream cheese, and the heavy cream to the same bowl and mix everything together until combined. Then, add the remaining taco seasoning and stir again until combined.
- Arrange the mixture into a casserole dish, and top evenly with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 - 35 minutes.
Feel free to top the casserole with your favorite low carb toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapenos!
Chicken Fajita Casserole
An easy low carb twist on chicken fajitas. Ditch the tortilla and enjoy chicken fajitas with this easy cassserole recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breast
- 2 bell peppers, with seeds remove and sliced into strips (I used 1 red and 1 green)
- 1 half of a large onion, sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup canned diced tomatoes and green chilies (I used Rotel)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheese, divided (Feel free to use different cheeses. I used cheddar and Monterrey jack)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Season the chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper, and then bake for 20 - 25 minutes (until no longer pink in the center).
- While the chicken is baking, saute the bell peppers, onion, and diced tomatoes and green chiles in a greased skillet. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, and then set them aside in a large bowl.
- Remove the chicken from the oven, and allow it to cool. Then, chop the chicken into bite-sized chunks and add it to the same bowl as the peppers and onions.
- Season the chicken and vegetables evenly with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning.
- Add 1/2 of the shredded cheese, all of the cream cheese, and the heavy cream to the bowl with the chicken and peppers. Mix everything until combined. Then, add the remaining taco seasoning and stir everything again until combined.
- Arrange the mixture into a casserole dish, and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 191Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 254mgCarbohydrates: 6gNet Carbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 13g
Kay is passionate about living a healthy low carb lifestyle. She loves low carb comfort foods that are also family-friendly!
Denise
This was great whole family loved it!
Kay Johnson
Thanks Denise! I'm glad you all enjoyed it!
Carolyn
Hi what kind of heavy cream do you use?
Kay Johnson
Hi, any heavy cream will work.
Roseann
Loved this. I halved the recipe and rolled it up in a zero carb tortilla
With some sour cream and salsa. Still have enough for tomorrow. I had to leave out tomatoes and chiles but was still really good and filling
Sandra Burbach
When do you add the diced tomatoes?
Kay Johnson
I added them to the pan with the sliced peppers. I will update the instructions to make that a bit more clear. Thank you!
Gwem Beaubouef
Why did you not use fajita seasoning?
Kay Johnson
I personally preferred the taste of the taco seasoning over the fajita seasoning.
Bianca
Can’t wait to try this tonight for dinner! What size casserole do you use? I have different size ones so wanted to make sure I was using the right size with the ingredient measurements:)
Kay Johnson
Hi Bianca, I used a 13.25"Lx8.5"W
I hope that you enjoy!
Christie Lee
Love this! I too didn't know when to add the tomatoes so added with the cream and cheese. This is a definite addition to my favorites. Thanks for sharing.
Kay Johnson
Hi Christie, I will update the recipe later this week to clarify that a bit further. I'm so happy to hear that you all enjoyed it!
LARA
Not updates yet to include can tomatoes and chilies....
Kay Johnson
Hi Lara, I just updated it. Thank you!
Teresa
Great recipe for a quick Mexican dish! Easy clean up too which is a bonus!
Kay Johnson
Thank you!
Chase
Kay... you killed it. This was so freakin' good. I added jalapenos with mine and served with tostitos chips and salsa. The flavors and cream to this cassarole are heaven to the taste buds. Chips added a nice crunch to this, great!
Kay Johnson
Thank you so much! That sounds delicious, I'm definitely going to try that next time!
Courtney
This is in my oven as I type this. I didn’t use heavy cream since you said it was optional. I also didn’t read the directions, and poured the whole can of tomatoes in with the peppers and onions. My husband and I can’t wait to try this!! Thanks for the recipe.
Kay Johnson
I hope that you enjoyed it, thank you!
Diane
Just made this and it is delicious. So easy and keto friendly which I love. Thank you for sharing. Will be one I make frequently!!
Kay Johnson
So happy to hear, thank you!
Christie Lee
Oh, I forgot to mention I used rotisserie chicken to save time. Yum!
Grace Riddle
what sides did you prepare with this?
Kay Johnson
I like to serve this with seasoned cauliflower rice if doing low carb. If you're not doing low carb, then feel free to serve with black beans or regular rice.
Sarah
Can the left overs be frozen? We are just two in our house now.
Kay Johnson
Yes, freezing this shouldn't be a problem. I recommend reheating in the oven.
Ashley
Omg yum. Adding this to my weekly prep. Everyone loves it!
Kay Johnson
Thank you! So happy to hear!
Daphne
I made this with 1/2 a rotisserie chicken I had leftover in my refrigerator. All I can say is...DELICIOUS!!! Definitely will make this again!
Thank you for share,
Daphne
Kay Johnson
Great idea to save time by using rotisserie chicken! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
Dotti Higley
Wow! Just made this for my husband and I and it is delicious. Will definitely make again!
Kay Johnson
I'm so happy to hear that! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
Susan
Delicious! I made it justr as the recipe said and we loved it!
Kay Johnson
Thank you, I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
Wanda
This was really good. I am glad it appeared under articles for you under google or I wouldn't have stumbled across this. This will also taste good as a dip as well. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely be making this again. It was delicious.
Kay Johnson
I'm so happy that you enjoyed it! Thank you!
Christine Ferguson
I have chicken thighs. Do you think this would be okay for this recipe?
Kay Johnson
Chicken thighs would be perfectly fine!
RuthAnn Riggle
My whole family loved this dish! I used some rotisserie chicken as well! The first time I made it I used left over turkey that was in my freezer! Definitely a go-to recipe now!
Kay Johnson
Using the leftover turkey sounds like a great idea! Thank you!
Val
Winner winner chicken dinner. Repeat!
Kay Johnson
Too funny! Thank you!
Celia
This was so incredibly yummy!!! I probably used more chicken and used the whole can of rotel tomatoes. Definitely making this again!
Kay Johnson
That sounds delicious! Thank you!
Celia
This is one of my favorite recipes!! I’ve made it numerous times and everyone always loves it!
Tammy
Kay made this casserole & it was amazing!!! My husband said this does not taste like diet food. We are doing Keto together. I ended up rubbing a little less than 1 Tbsp. Taco seasoning on my chicken & let it sit while I cut up peppers & onions. I cut chicken in strips and sautéed in pan, pulled them out & did vegetables & mixed everything in bowl like you said I put in dish & pulled out & baked after work. Absolutely amazing. Thank you for this recipe! It’s a keeper.
Kay Johnson
I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much!
Briw
I plan on making this tonight but I didn't want to add the chicken and make it meatless. Have you tired it that way and so I need to cut the cooking time?
Kay Johnson
I have not tried that, I would think you can still cook it for the same amount of time.
Norma
This is absolutely delish! Thank you Julia
Jen
This was outstanding! Thanks so much for posting it
Kay Johnson
Thank you so much!
Denise
I was confused as how the cream cheese was supposed to be added …. Are you supposed to cut in hunks and stir together with heavy cream and cheese ? Or what ?
Kay Johnson
Hi there, you would add it to the same bowl as the chicken, along with the heavy cream, and half of the shredded cheese. You don't have to mix it with the heavy cream and cheese before adding it. Everything just gets mixed together with the chicken before you dump it in the casserole dish. I hope this helps. Thank you!
Robyn
I have made this several times, Everyone loves it! I always use the whole can of Rotel Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
Heidi
This was Amazing! Thank you for sharing!! I wish I could add a photo.
Kay Johnson
Thank you so much! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
Cellina
Very good!! My family loved it. I sautéed the peppers and onions, then added the chicken and seasoning. Turned the heat down and added the cheeses right to the pan. When melted, I transferred it all over to the baking dish and added the cheese. I served it with a side of Spanish rice.
Kay Johnson
That sounds delicious. Thank you!
Kelly
Hi, quick question. Why do I cook the chicken first? Because it’s in the oven for 30 minutes or so, the raw chicken pieces would cook. I’m thinking if I cook them first wouldn't the chicken be dry from cooking twice?
Kay Johnson
Hi there, I like to cook the chicken first to ensure that it is cooked all the way through, however that might work. I haven't had any issues with the chicken being too dry though.
Meghan
This is so good! I am busy on weeknights so to save time I put the chicken, peppers, onions, and rotel tomatoes into my crockpot with some chicken broth. Season it all with taco seasoning. High for 3 hours. When I come home I just have to assemble it and bake it. So good! Even the kids love it.
Deb
Made exactly as directions stated. It turned out amazing.