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.