Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a delicious one-dish meal that combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and gooey cheese. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The fajita seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick to the chicken and veggies.
• Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese make this dish irresistibly creamy.
• Simple and Quick: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup with everything baked together in one dish.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet fajita seasoning mix (or homemade, see below)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub the fajita seasoning all over, ensuring even coating on both sides.

Sauté the Vegetables:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.
2. Top each chicken breast with an even layer of the sautéed peppers and onions.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the vegetables.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

Garnish and Serve:

1. Remove the dish from the oven and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a zesty flavor boost.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use boneless thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp instead of chicken breasts.
• Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of tortillas or rice.
• Cheese Blend: Experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby for different flavors.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?

Yes, a store-bought packet works perfectly, but homemade seasoning allows you to control the flavor and spice level.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking. Don’t overbake—use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are great additions to this dish.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

5. What’s the best way to pound chicken?

Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap to keep your surface clean. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound evenly.

6. Can I skip sautéing the vegetables?

While it’s possible, sautéing enhances their flavor and ensures they’re tender when baked.

7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time if needed.

8. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

9. Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

Rice, tortillas, guacamole, salsa, or a simple green salad are excellent side options.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. With its juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today for a meal the whole family will love!

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