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This casserole is packed with all the flavors you get from classic chicken fajitas but without the tortillas. It’s a cozy low-carb dish that’s super easy to put together and hits that spot with cheesy, spicy, and creamy goodness. If you love fajitas but want something warm and comforting for dinner, this is a great pick.
What You’ll Need
- Bell peppers: for a sweet crunch and bright colors; red and green mixed works best
- Chicken breast: lean meat that cooks evenly; fresh pieces are ideal
- Large onion: adds richness and depth; firm with no soft spots is best
- Canned diced tomatoes and green chilies: give a gentle spice and juiciness; Rotel brand offers consistent flavor
- Taco seasoning: delivers those classic fajita spices; use your favorite blend to personalize
- Shredded cheese: melts into creamy goodness; cheddar and Monterey jack balance sharp and mild nicely
- Cream cheese: gives the dish a rich, smooth texture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing
- Heavy cream: adds richness and binds everything together; fresh cream works best
How To Make It
- Bake and sear the chicken:
- Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s cooked through with no pink inside. This helps keep the meat juicy.
- Cook the veggies:
- While the chicken cooks, heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in sliced bell peppers, onion, and canned tomatoes with chilies. Let them soften and get a little caramelized. Put them in a big bowl when done.
- Cut the chicken:
- Let the chicken cool a bit so you can handle it. Chop into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl with veggies.
- Mix in cheese, cream, and half the seasoning:
- Sprinkle half the taco seasoning over the chicken and veggies. Add half the shredded cheese, all the softened cream cheese, and the heavy cream. Stir it well until it’s creamy and mixed through.
- Add the rest of the seasoning and cheese:
- Now sprinkle the remaining taco seasoning into the mix and give it another gentle stir. This layers the spices nicely.
- Put it together and bake:
- Spread everything into a baking dish evenly. Top with the leftover shredded cheese. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
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The bell peppers are my favorite part here – their sweetness and crunch mix perfectly with the creamy filling. One night my youngest said this casserole tasted just like fajitas from a restaurant. That made me smile because this easy homemade dish brought smiles and full bellies all around.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep leftovers sealed tight in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them slowly in the oven or microwave so the cheese stays melty and the chicken soft. If you want to freeze some, wrap portions well and thaw overnight before reheating.
Swap Options
If you want, switch the chicken breast for boneless, skinless thighs to get a juicier bite. Feel free to use other medium sharp cheeses like Colby or pepper jack for a little extra kick. Don’t have canned diced tomatoes with chilies? Plain diced tomatoes plus a pinch of cayenne or chili powder will do the trick.
What To Serve With It
A simple green salad is great to cut through the richness. Guacamole and salsa on the side bring some fresh flavors. Adding a splash of lime juice and some chopped cilantro brightens things up perfectly.
Background Info
This dish captures those Tex-Mex fajita flavors but in a warm casserole form. It’s great for home cooks who want the taste without messing with tortillas. It shows how Mexican-inspired food can be made low-carb and still bold and tasty.
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FAQs About the Recipe
- → Which chicken cuts work best here?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect since it stays juicy and won’t overshadow the other flavors.
- → Can I swap out the cheese types?
Yes! Cheddar and Monterey Jack go great together, but mozzarella or pepper jack can mix things up.
- → How should I get the veggies ready?
Slice the bell peppers and onions into strips, then cook them until they're soft to bring out their sweetness and balance the spices.
- → Is this good for a low carb eating plan?
Definitely. Skipping tortillas and using cream cheese plus heavy cream keeps the carbs low and adds creamy texture.
- → What’s the best way to bake it?
Set your oven to 350°F and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until it’s bubbling and the top turns golden.