Description
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired main dish. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with fajita spices, baked with vibrant bell peppers and onions, then topped with melted cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served alongside rice, tortillas, or beans.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) fajita seasoning
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil then generously coat both sides with fajita seasoning to infuse the meat with bold flavors.
- Arrange chicken and vegetables. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish. Scatter the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow onion evenly around and over the chicken pieces for an even cook and flavor distribution.
- Bake covered initially. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through but not fully done.
- Add cheese and finish baking. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables, then return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra fresh zing if desired.
Notes
- Serve this dish over rice, wrapped in tortillas, or alongside beans for a complete meal.
- Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
- Add sliced jalapeños before baking for a spicy kick.
