Fajita Chicken Casserole

🍋 Mediterranean Fajita Chicken Casserole

🕒 Total Time: 40–45 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4–6

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🌿 Ingredients

🐔 For the Chicken & Marinade

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp oregano

• ½ tsp chili flakes (or Aleppo pepper for Mediterranean heat)

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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🫑 For the Veggies

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt & pepper

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🍶 For the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce

• ¾ cup (180 g) Greek yogurt or labneh

• 2 tbsp tahini or olive oil

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• Sea salt & pepper, to taste

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🧀 Optional Toppings

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional but adds Mediterranean flavor)

• Fresh parsley, mint, or basil for garnish

• A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or olives on top

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken strips and toss to coat.

3. Marinate for 15–30 minutes (or overnight if you have time).

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2. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with olive oil.

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3. Prepare the Veggies

• In a separate bowl, toss bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Spread them evenly in the baking dish.

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4. Add Chicken

• Layer the marinated chicken strips over the veggies.

• Pour any leftover marinade on top.

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are soft and caramelized.

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5. Make the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce

1. While baking, mix Greek yogurt, tahini (or olive oil), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

2. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.

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6. Finish the Casserole

1. Remove the dish from the oven.

2. Drizzle the creamy yogurt sauce over the top while warm.

3. Sprinkle with feta cheese, herbs, and pine nuts (if using).

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🍋 Serve With

• Brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain couscous

• A side of Mediterranean salad (tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, herbs)

• Warm pita bread or roasted potatoes

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🌿 Mediterranean Tips & Variations

• Replace chicken with chickpeas or halloumi for a vegetarian version.

• Add zucchini or eggplant for more Mediterranean veggies.

• Use smoked paprika and sumac for a deeper, tangy flavor.

• Drizzle with hot honey or harissa oil if you like a sweet-spicy kick.