Introduction
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken combines the bold flavors of fajitas with the comforting, melty goodness of cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.
The seasoned chicken breasts are topped with a zesty fajita mix and baked until perfectly tender and juicy, making it a dish that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
This recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner, as it requires minimal effort but delivers big results.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 packet fajita seasoning mix (or homemade)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when the chicken is prepared. This ensures a quicker cooking time and evenly baked chicken.
While the oven is heating, prep the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring it browns nicely during baking.
In a small bowl, combine the fajita seasoning mix, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts.
making sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor. The spices will infuse the chicken, making it incredibly tasty.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side.
until they develop a nice golden brown crust. This step locks in the flavors and helps keep the chicken juicy.
Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the sliced peppers and onions. Stir them occasionall.
allowing them to soften and caramelize slightly, which will bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the fajita flavor.
Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish, and top each one with the sautéed peppers and onions. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded.
cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of each chicken breast, covering them completely. This cheesy layer will melt and become golden and bubbly as the chicken bakes.
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is fully.
melted and slightly browned. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has become perfectly gooey.
Once the cheesy baked fajita chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If desired.
sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
How to Make
To begin, prepare the chicken breasts by seasoning them with a blend of fajita spices, including cumin.
garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This seasoning mix will create a flavorful crust when the chicken is seared.
Next, heat some olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown. This quick step ensures.
that the chicken will remain juicy while cooking through in the oven. The goal is to lock in the flavor and create a crispy exterior.
While the chicken is searing, prepare the bell peppers and onions. Slice them thinly and sauté them in the same skillet.
allowing the vegetables to soften and develop a beautiful caramelized color. This adds depth to the dish and enhances the fajita flavor.
Once the chicken has been seared and the vegetables are ready, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and top them.
with the cooked peppers and onions. This adds moisture and flavor as the chicken bakes in the oven.
Layer cheese generously over the chicken and vegetables. Both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt beautifully, creating a creamy and irresistible topping.
The cheese will bubble up and become slightly golden during baking, adding texture and richness.
Bake the dish for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, and the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Tips
For a spicier version, you can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. This will give your dish a nice heat that pairs well with the cheese and peppers.
If you prefer a low-carb version, you can skip the rice or tortillas and serve the chicken with a simple side salad or over cauliflower rice. This makes for a lighter, yet equally delicious meal.
Feel free to switch up the vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even sweet corn could be added to the sautéed peppers and onions to give the dish a unique twist.
For an extra creamy topping, you can mix a few tablespoons of sour cream into the shredded cheese before sprinkling it over the chicken.
This will create a rich and indulgent texture that pairs wonderfully with the fajita seasoning.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step and bake the chicken breasts directly after seasoning them. However, searing enhances the flavor and texture, making it worth the extra few minutes.
This recipe is versatile and can be prepped ahead of time. Simply season the chicken, sauté the vegetables, and store everything.
separately in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It will save you time on a busy evening.
Don’t forget to let the dish rest after baking. This small step makes a big difference in the overall juiciness and flavor of the chicken, as it allows the juices to redistribute.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a family dinner.
With its combination of seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a satisfying, cheesy dish that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether you serve it with a side of rice or on its own, it’s sure to impress every time.