Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole

 Prep Time: 10 minutes

 Cook Time: 25 minutes

 Total Time: 35 minutes

 Servings: 4

 W-W Points: 4-5 SmartPoints per serving (depending on cheese and oil used)

 Dietary Tags: Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free, W-W Friendly

 Ingredients Checklist

• 3–4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large, sliced lengthwise)

• 2 bell peppers (red and green), seeded and sliced

• 1 medium onion, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1½ tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic

• 2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)

• 1 cup grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (or your favorite reduced-fat cheese)

• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

 Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Reserve some seasoning for the veggies.

3. Assemble Casserole: Place chicken in the prepared dish. Top with sliced bell peppers and minced onion. Sprinkle remaining seasoning over the top.

4. Add Cheese & Bake: Drizzle with oil and cover with shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C). For a golden top, broil for 2 minutes at the end.

5. Serve & Garnish: Serve hot over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed veggies. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

 Extra Notes & Customizations

• Make it Spicier: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether — it’s still delicious.

• Low-Oil Tip: Swap vegetable oil for a light spritz of olive oil spray to save points.

 Ingredient Tips

• Cheese Options: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to try reduced-fat cheddar or a Mexican blend for added flavor.

• Veggies Galore: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be added for more volume and nutrients.

 Serving Suggestions

• Pair With: Cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini, or a W-W tortilla for a wrap-style meal.

• Toppings: Add a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.

 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Microwave covered or reheat in a 350°F oven until warm throughout.

 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Estimated)

• Calories: ~250

• Protein: ~30g

• Carbs: ~8g

• Fat: ~11g

• W-W Points: 4–5 (depending on specific cheese and oil used)

Note: Use the W-W app or recipe builder for exact tracking based on brands and amounts.

 FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish in the morning and bake it fresh in the evening.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Sure! Use skinless, boneless thighs and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I skip the cheese?
A: Absolutely — the casserole will still be flavorful and satisfying.

 Kristy’s Note

As a W-W coach and lifelong recipe creator, this chicken fajita casserole has become one of my go-to meals when I want big flavor without a lot of fuss. It’s colorful, satisfying, and adaptable — the kind of meal you’ll come back to week after week.