about contact

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

by
Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all smothered in melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This oven-baked meal captures the essence of classic fajitas in a convenient, one-pan format, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavors: A harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika infuses the chicken with authentic Tex-Mex taste.

  • Colorful and Nutritious: A medley of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds visual appeal and essential nutrients.

  • Cheesy Goodness: A generous topping of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses creates a gooey, irresistible finish.

  • Easy Preparation: Simple steps and minimal ingredients make this dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 small red onion, sliced

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Prepare Chicken: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

  3. Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from heat.

  4. Add Vegetables: Arrange the sliced bell peppers and red onion around and on top of the chicken breasts in the skillet.Clap Recipes

  5. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.

  6. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken and vegetables.Clap Recipes

  7. Melt Cheese: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top before serving.

Servings and Timing

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.

  • Creamy Twist: Spread a layer of softened cream cheese mixed with salsa over the chicken before adding the vegetables for a creamy base.

  • Different Proteins: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even pork chops for a different flavor profile.

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes.

  • Freezing: Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Reduce the baking time to 15-20 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted.

What can I serve with Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.Little Sunny Kitchen

How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I use a different cheese blend?

Absolutely. Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend, such as pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your spices and cheeses to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly. Mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes make great additions to this dish.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate. Adjust the chili powder and add or omit jalapeños to suit your taste.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but thaw and drain them before use to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This cheesy baked fajita chicken is a bold and flavorful dinner packed with juicy chicken breasts, seasoned peppers, and a gooey blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s the perfect one-pan meal that brings the sizzle of fajitas straight to your oven—easy, melty, and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 small red onion, sliced

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Season the Chicken:

    • In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

    • Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts.

  • Sear the Chicken (Optional):

    • For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side before baking.

  • Assemble the Bake:

    • Place the seasoned chicken in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

    • Scatter sliced bell peppers and onion around and over the chicken.

    • Drizzle everything with olive oil.

  • Bake:

    • Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes.

    • Uncover, top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

    • Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and cheese is melted and bubbly.

  • Garnish & Serve:

    • Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve hot with rice, tortillas, or salad.

Notes

  • Use fajita seasoning blend as a shortcut.

  • Swap chicken for thighs for extra juiciness.

  • Add jalapeños for a spicy version.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *