Chicken Fajita Cottage Cheese Bake (Print Version)
High-protein chicken fajita cottage cheese bake for a satisfying dinner. Easy to prepare with bold flavors and a creamy texture. Perfect for meal prep.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ The Sizzling Fajita Core
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch strips
03 -
1 large bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
04 -
1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
→ The Zesty Fajita Dust
05 -
1 tbsp chili powder
06 -
1 tsp ground cumin
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
10 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
11 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Creamy Protein Foundation
13 -
2 cups (16 oz) 2% cottage cheese
14 -
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Fresh Finishes & Flavor Pops
15 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
16 -
1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and salt and black pepper to taste. This vibrant blend is essential for your Chicken Fajita Cottage Cheese Bake | High-Protein Dinner.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (or a regular skillet if transferring later) over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast strips and half of the prepared fajita seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, add 1 large bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced, and 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced. Add the remaining fajita seasoning. Sauté for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet with the vegetables, tossing to combine.
04 -
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups (16 oz) 2% cottage cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir these ingredients together until well combined. This creamy, high-protein foundation will be spread over your fajita mixture, creating the signature texture of this Chicken Fajita Cottage Cheese Bake | High-Protein Dinner.
05 -
Spread the cottage cheese and Monterey Jack mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer the chicken and veggies to a 9x13 inch baking dish before adding the cheese layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
06 -
Remove the Chicken Fajita Cottage Cheese Bake | High-Protein Dinner from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Serve immediately with 1 lime, cut into wedges, for a bright, zesty finish.
# Notes:
01 -
Customize your fajita veggies by adding sliced zucchini, corn, or mushrooms to the mix for extra flavor and nutrients.
02 -
For a complete meal, serve this bake with warm whole wheat tortillas, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a fresh green salad.
03 -
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
04 -
Boost the heat by adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch more cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 386 kcal
Total Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 54 g