If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for a keto lifestyle, these baked chicken fajitas are going to be your new favorite recipe. Packed with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and bold Tex-Mex flavors, this dish is healthy, satisfying, and so simple it almost cooks itself. Let’s get into it.
Why Keto Baked Chicken Fajitas?
First off, keto baked chicken fajitas are low in carbs but high in taste. Forget the tortillas—they’re not needed here. Instead, the combination of seasoned chicken, roasted veggies, and cheese (if you like) makes this dish hearty and full of flavor without the extra carbs. Plus, it’s all done in one baking dish, meaning fewer dishes to wash after dinner. Win-win, right?
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make keto baked chicken fajitas:
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs – about 2 pounds, sliced into thin strips.
- Bell peppers – 3 large (use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a colorful dish), sliced into strips.
- Onion – 1 large, sliced thin.
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons.
- Fajita seasoning – You can make your own or use a store-bought mix. (Recipe for homemade seasoning below.)
- Lime – Juice of one lime.
- Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
Homemade Fajita Seasoning:
Mix these together in a small bowl:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
How to Make Keto Baked Chicken Fajitas
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want it nice and hot to roast everything evenly.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Veggies
Grab your chicken breasts or thighs and cut them into thin, fajita-sized strips. Do the same with your bell peppers and onion. If you’re in a hurry, pre-sliced stir-fry mixes work great, but slicing your own fresh veggies gives the best flavor.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Take a large mixing bowl and combine the chicken, peppers, and onions. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle your fajita seasoning all over. Use your hands (or a spoon if you’re not into getting messy) to toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.
Step 4: Spread It Out
Pour the mixture into a large baking dish or a sheet pan. Make sure everything is in a single layer so it roasts instead of steams. If you overcrowd the pan, the veggies won’t get those delicious caramelized edges.
Step 5: Bake It
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give everything a good stir so the chicken cooks evenly and the veggies brown up nicely.
Step 6: Add a Little Zing
When the chicken is fully cooked (it should reach an internal temp of 165°F), pull the dish out of the oven. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the top for a burst of freshness. This step might seem small, but trust me, it makes a big difference in flavor.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Spoon the fajita mix onto plates or into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro are all great choices.
Serving Ideas
While these keto baked chicken fajitas are fantastic on their own, you can also pair them with other keto-friendly sides to round out your meal. Here are some ideas:
- Cauliflower rice: It’s a great way to soak up all those fajita juices.
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles): A fresh, light option.
- Lettuce wraps: Use big lettuce leaves to wrap up your fajita filling like tacos.
- Side salad: A simple salad with a lime vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
Tips for the Best Keto Fajitas
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and chicken will always give you the best results.
- Don’t skip the lime: The citrus brightens up the dish and balances the spices.
- Go easy on the oil: Too much oil can make the fajitas greasy instead of roasted.
- Experiment with toppings: Think shredded cheese, guacamole, or even a dollop of keto-friendly salsa.
- Meal prep magic: Make a double batch and save the leftovers. These fajitas reheat beautifully and are great for lunch the next day.
Why This Recipe Works for Keto
Fajitas are naturally keto-friendly as long as you ditch the tortillas. The chicken provides protein, the veggies bring vitamins and fiber, and the seasoning packs in the flavor without sugar or carbs. Here’s a breakdown:
- Chicken: High in protein and zero carbs.
- Bell peppers and onions: Low-carb veggies that add natural sweetness and crunch.
- Fajita seasoning: Homemade seasoning ensures no hidden sugars.
- Toppings: Keto-friendly options like cheese and avocado add healthy fats and creaminess.
Common Variations
If you like to mix things up, here are some variations to try:
- Swap the protein: Use shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Make it spicier: Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Try different veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus work well in place of (or alongside) the bell peppers.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty, gooey finish.
Why Your Family Will Love It
Let’s be honest: getting everyone in the family to agree on dinner can feel impossible. But this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The bold, smoky flavors of fajitas are something almost everyone loves, and the customizable toppings let each person make their plate their own. Plus, the one-pan cleanup means you’re not stuck scrubbing pots and pans for an hour after dinner.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but it happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop the fajita mix in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the skillet keeps the veggies crispier.
A Meal for Any Occasion
These keto baked chicken fajitas are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a meal-prep Sunday, or even a casual get-together. They’re quick, healthy, and endlessly versatile. Once you try them, they’ll probably make their way into your regular recipe rotation.
So, what are you waiting for? Get those ingredients ready and preheat your oven. A pan full of delicious, keto-friendly fajitas is just a few steps away.
PrintKeto Baked Chicken Fajitas: A One-Pan Wonder for Dinner
A simple and delicious one-pan keto recipe packed with juicy chicken, bell peppers, onions, and bold spices. Perfect for low-carb dinners, meal prep, or busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lime, juiced
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss chicken, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil and seasoning until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large baking dish or sheet pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until chicken is fully cooked (165°F) and veggies are tender.
- Remove from oven and squeeze lime juice over the top.
- Serve with optional toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For a spicier dish, add cayenne or diced jalapeños to the seasoning.
- Serve with cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or zoodles for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 Sugar: 3g Sodium: 520mg Fat: 15g Saturated Fat: 3g Unsaturated Fat: 12g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 7g Fiber: 2g Protein: 35g Cholesterol: 90mg