🍋 Mediterranean Fajita Chicken Casserole
🕒 Total Time: 40–45 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
🌿 Ingredients
🐔 For the Chicken & Marinade
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1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp oregano
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½ tsp chili flakes (or Aleppo pepper for Mediterranean heat)
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½ tsp sea salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 cloves garlic, minced
🫑 For the Veggies
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Pinch of salt & pepper
🍶 For the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce
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¾ cup (180 g) Greek yogurt or labneh
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2 tbsp tahini or olive oil
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
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Sea salt & pepper, to taste
🧀 Optional Toppings
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional but adds Mediterranean flavor)
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Fresh parsley, mint, or basil for garnish
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A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or olives on top
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
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In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Add chicken strips and toss to coat.
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Marinate for 15–30 minutes (or overnight if you have time).
2. Preheat Oven
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with olive oil.
3. Prepare the Veggies
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In a separate bowl, toss bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Spread them evenly in the baking dish.
4. Add Chicken
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Layer the marinated chicken strips over the veggies.
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Pour any leftover marinade on top.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are soft and caramelized.
5. Make the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce
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While baking, mix Greek yogurt, tahini (or olive oil), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.
6. Finish the Casserole
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Remove the dish from the oven.
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Drizzle the creamy yogurt sauce over the top while warm.
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Sprinkle with feta cheese, herbs, and pine nuts (if using).
🍋 Serve With
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Brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain couscous
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A side of Mediterranean salad (tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, herbs)
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Warm pita bread or roasted potatoes
🌿 Mediterranean Tips & Variations
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Replace chicken with chickpeas or halloumi for a vegetarian version.
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Add zucchini or eggplant for more Mediterranean veggies.
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Use smoked paprika and sumac for a deeper, tangy flavor.
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Drizzle with hot honey or harissa oil if you like a sweet-spicy kick.
