🌶️ Mediterranean Fajita Chicken Casserole

---

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken & Veggies

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium red onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Casserole

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cup light cream cheese or ricotta

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or kefalotyri

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro or basil, chopped

Optional add-ins:

• 1 small zucchini, sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup black or Kalamata olives (Mediterranean twist)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix:

• Chicken strips

• Olive oil

• Garlic

• Paprika

• Oregano

• Cumin

• Chili flakes

• Lemon juice

• Salt & black pepper

Let marinate 15–30 minutes (or up to overnight).

---

2. Sauté

In a pan over medium heat:

• Cook chicken until lightly browned but not fully cooked

• Remove

• Add peppers & onions to the same pan

• Sauté until softened (5–7 minutes)

---

3. Make the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Greek yogurt

• Cream cheese or ricotta

• Half the shredded cheeses

• Fresh herbs

Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.

---

4. Assemble the Casserole

In a baking dish:

1. Spread sautéed peppers and onions

2. Add the chicken on top

3. Pour creamy yogurt sauce over everything

4. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top

Optional: Add olives or cherry tomatoes before baking.

---

5. Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes,
or until:

• The top is golden

• The cheese is melted

• The chicken is fully cooked through

---

6. Serve

Garnish with:

• Fresh parsley

• Lemon wedges

• A drizzle of olive oil

Serve with:

• Brown rice

• Cauliflower rice

• Warm pita

• Mediterranean salad

---

✨ Mediterranean Flavor Add-Ins

• Add za’atar on top before baking

• Swap cheddar for feta

• Add roasted eggplant or artichoke hearts

• Top with tzatziki when serving