Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Season the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the dish and rub both sides with the fajita seasoning. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3️⃣ Sauté the Veggies:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
4️⃣ Top the Chicken:
Spoon the sautéed peppers and onions over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
5️⃣ Bake and Cheese It:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until melted and bubbly.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with warm tortillas, Spanish rice, or a side of guac for a full-on fajita-style feast!
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Fajita Chicken:
- Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, more consistent baking.
- Add Heat: Want it spicy? Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne before baking.
- Cheese Upgrade: Use pepper jack or extra sharp cheddar for a bolder cheesy topping.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken:
- Easy One-Dish Meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—sour cream, avocado, salsa—go wild!
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers and meal prepping for the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQ About Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken:
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time slightly—thighs cook a bit faster.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Can I add more veggies?
Totally. Mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes are all great additions.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Chicken too dry?
Be sure not to overbake. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken at 165°F.
Veggies soggy?
Try roasting them separately and adding them at the end if you want a firmer texture.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add a layer of black beans and corn under the chicken before baking.
- Creamy Version: Add a dollop of cream cheese under the veggies for a creamy surprise.
- BBQ Fajita Chicken: Swap fajita seasoning for a smoky BBQ rub and drizzle with sauce before baking.
Perfect for Every Occasion:
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a meal-prep must, or your new go-to for feeding a crowd, this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is flavorful, filling, and totally satisfying.
Success with Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken:
With bold fajita flavors, juicy chicken, and plenty of melty cheese, this dish is an easy win for any day of the week. It’s the kind of recipe that goes from “what’s for dinner?” to “can we have this again tomorrow?”
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag your cheesy fajita masterpiece—we’d love to see your sizzling creation!
