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Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole 🥘

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
4 Comments
5 from 2 votes

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Craving a flavorful Mexican food? Try our Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole—packed with tender chicken, sautéed veggies, zesty seasoning, and melted cheese. It's a family favorite for weeknight meals. Check out this Mexican goodness and make this delicious keto-friendly dish.

Keto Fajita Casserole Skillet surrounded by toppings
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this delicious casserole is a walk in the park, and it takes just 40 minutes. First, sear the chicken, add colorful veggies, top it up with cheese, and bake it to perfection. And the result? A Mexican-inspired casserole dish with a keto twist.

Chef's note

Have a blast making this customizable keto recipe! Mix smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne for a zesty taco seasoning. Get creative with toppings like avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or crushed pork rinds for added taste and texture. Enjoy the fun and flavor!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.

🥘 Ingredients for this keto chicken fajita casserole recipe

For the Fajita

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into strips
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • ½ green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 can or 14.5-ounce fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups Mexican blend cheese

For the toppings

  • ¼ cup guacamole
  • ¼ cup pico de gallo
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced

Ingredient substitutions

For the casserole

  • Butter: You can substitute it with ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil for a keto-friendly option.
  • Jalapeño: If you prefer a milder heat level, you can reduce or omit the seeds or omit jalapeño. Alternatively, you can use mild green chilies as a substitution.
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes: If you can't find fire-roasted tomatoes, you can substitute them with diced tomatoes or salsa. Opt for low-carb ones.
  • Mexican blend cheese: You can use cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a combination of different cheeses instead of Mexican blend cheese.

Toppings

  • Sour cream: Replace it with Greek yogurt as a creamy and tangy topping.
  • Jalapeño: Substitute the fresh jalapeños with pickled ones or use keto-friendly spicy peppers like serrano peppers or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Minced cilantro: You can replace it with parsley for a milder herbaceous touch.

Additional ingredients

  • Olives: You can add olives for savory and briny flavors.
  • Green onions: You can sprinkle some chopped green onions on top of the dish for added freshness.
  • Lime juice: You can squeeze fresh lime juice over the casserole for a tangy twist.
  • Hot sauce: Add keto-friendly hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Cooking tools required

To make this chicken fajita casserole recipe, you will need the following tools:

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Spatula

Tools substitute options

  • Cast iron skillet: If you don't have a skillet or frying pan, you can use a non-stick pan, cast-iron skillet, or even an oven-safe baking dish.

How to make Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole: step-by-step guide

Chopped Bell Peppers and Onions
Homemade Taco Seasoning

Cooking methods

  • Searing
  • Stir-frying
  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the required ingredients needed for the recipe.
  2. If you use frozen chicken strips, thaw them first and then cut them into strips.
  3. Thinly slice the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno for garnish. Set them aside.
  4. Grate or shred the Mexican blend cheese if needed. Set it aside.
  5. Prepare the guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and minced cilantro, and keep them refrigerated until serving time.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Heat the butter in a large cast iron skillet. Add the chicken to the pan and brown for 3-4 minutes per side. Add in the peppers and onions along with the taco seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes until starting to soften.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes, top with cheese, and transfer to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly.
  4. Top with desired toppings and serve.

Chef's pro tip

Don't crowd the skillet! It's a common mistake. Give your chicken and veggies some space to brown and cook evenly. If needed, cook them in batches. That way, they'll develop a delicious golden crust and won't turn soggy. Let each ingredient shine by searing it individually, and enjoy a more flavorful dish!

What to serve with keto chicken fajita casserole

  • Cauliflower rice: It can absorb the sauce from the fajita casserole, enhancing its overall taste.
  • Zucchini noodles: Spiralize the zucchini and make zoodles. These zoodles can be seasoned and cooked in various ways to complement the fajita flavors.
  • Roasted vegetables: Enjoy roasted low-carb vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and zucchini with this dish.
  • Side salad: For extra freshness, pair this chicken dish with a fresh green salad with a keto-friendly dressing.
  • Lettuce wraps: Wrap the fajita casserole in large lettuce leaves and enjoy refreshing keto wraps.
Close up of Keto Fajita Casserole Skillet.

How to make it healthier

To make this chicken fajita casserole healthier, you can:

  • Boost the vegetable content in the casserole by adding more low-carb options like sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Use homemade guacamole and pico de gallo to avoid added sugar.
  • Choose full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Opt for low-sodium taco seasoning and cheese, and add less salt.

Time-saving tips

  • Use frozen sliced bell peppers or pre-cut vegetables.
  • Use pre-cooked chicken or shredded chicken and add it to the skillet.
  • To save time on shredding cheese, use pre-shredded Mexican blend cheese.
  • Make a larger batch of the casserole and divide it into individual servings. Store them in meal prep containers to have ready-to-eat meals for the week.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Prepare any desired toppings, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, or minced cilantro, ahead of time.
  • If you are making your taco seasoning, blend spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, and store the seasoning.
  • If you prefer fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded, shred it and store it in a resealable bag or container.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Place the leftover dish in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and store it for 3 months. When you want to reheat it, it's best to let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating instructions

  • Stove: Place the chicken fajita mixture in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure that it heats evenly. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the dish from drying out.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken fajita mixture in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until it's heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want the cheese to get bubbly again.
  • Microwave: Place the chicken fajita mixture in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2 minutes, then stir occasionally.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Get ready for a flavor-filled fiesta with our Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole! Tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices create a crowd-pleasing dish for your entire family.

So, what are you waiting for? Don your apron, gather ingredients, and let the sizzling, savory aromas fill your kitchen! Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering fiesta of flavors. Don't forget to share the joy with your amigos and amigas by inviting them over to experience this keto delight. Go ahead and whip up this dish, and let the fiesta begin!

Frequently asked questions

The exact carb count in this low-carb fajita chicken casserole can vary depending on the ingredients used and their quantities. One serving of cheesy keto chicken fajita casserole has 346 calories. Check out our recipe card for more information on the nutrients of this dish.

Dry chicken can occur if it is overcooked or you're using chicken breasts that are too lean. To avoid dryness, cook the chicken until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature (165°F or 74°C), and consider using boneless chicken thighs or adding a drizzle of olive oil or chicken broth to keep the meat moist.

If your casserole becomes spicy, you can skip Jalapeños or even substitute taco seasoning with fajita seasoning, as fajita seasoning is less spicy than taco seasoning. But replacing the seasoning can change the flavor profile.

Try placing it under the broiler or reheating it in the oven for even melting. Alternatively, use the microwave for quick fixes. Remember, uneven melting won't affect the delicious flavors. Enjoy!

Excess moisture can occur if the vegetables release too much liquid during cooking. To reduce moisture, sauté the vegetables until they are just cooked, avoiding overcooking. Additionally, patting the vegetables dry before adding them to the casserole can help reduce excess moisture.

📖 Recipe

Keto Fajita Casserole Skillet surrounded by toppings

Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole

This Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole has all of your favorite fajita flavors all in one skillet. Perfect for dinner on busy weeknights!!!
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: casserole, easy, low carb
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 346kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 lb chicken breast strips
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • ½ green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeno thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 14.5 oz or 1 can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups Mexican blend cheese

Toppings:

  • ¼ cup guacamole
  • ¼ cup pico de gallo
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 Jalapeño thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Heat the butter in a large cast iron skillet. Add the chicken to the pan and brown 3-4 minutes per side. Add in the peppers and onions along with the taco seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes until starting to soften.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, top with cheese and transfer to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly.
  • Top with desired toppings and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 346 Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Cholesterol 104mg35%
Sodium 549mg24%
Potassium 641mg18%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 27g54%
Vitamin A 1147IU23%
Vitamin C 37mg45%
Calcium 290mg29%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathy Barker says

    This looks amazing! Does the nutritional information include the toppings?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Yes, it does include the toppings!

      Reply

  2. Gerrie says

    Looks fabulous! Partner does not eat chicken....what steak would I choose to make this with beef please? So glad I found you!

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      I would use thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak!

      Reply
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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