Ingredients
- Chicken: 3-4 small skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 lbs or 750g), or 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green, seeded and cut into strips
- Onion: 1 medium, minced
- Cumin Powder: 1 tsp
- Chili Powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Garlic: 1 tsp powder or minced
- Paprika: 2 tsp (substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella, or your choice of cheese
- Garnish: Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
Instructions
Preparations
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a bit of oil or non-stick spray to lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a plate. Combine cumin, chili powder, garlic powder (or minced garlic), paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spices liberally on both sides of the chicken breasts, reserving some of the spice mix for the vegetables.
Assembly
- Prepare the Dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken in the greased baking dish. Drizzle with vegetable oil.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Scatter the bell pepper strips and minced onion over and around the chicken. Sprinkle with the remaining fajita seasoning mix. Cover everything generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Broil (Optional): For a crispier top, set the oven to broil and broil the casserole for an additional 2 minutes.
Serving
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot over a bed of cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or enjoy as is for a low-carb meal.
Notes and Variations
- Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of chili powder and black pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for varying flavors.
- Meal Prep: This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in airtight containers.
This enhanced version of your Fajita Chicken Breasts Casserole recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a flavorful and satisfying meal, with options to adjust spices and variations to cater to different tastes.
