Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is an easy, weeknight meal that brings bold flavor without much effort. It’s simple to prep, and everything bakes in one dish. You get the seasoned peppers, onions, and chicken all in one bite, with plenty of melted cheese on top.
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
Why will you love this baked fajita chicken?
Well, it’s simple. This recipe works great on busy nights. It’s very easy to prep – you can prep it ahead if needed, and it bakes in one dish. Therefore, it doesn’t require much cleanup. That’s huge for busy parents.
We like to slice the peppers and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge, so everything’s ready to go. It also reheats well, so it’s perfect for leftovers.
For an all-out Mexican-themed night, serve this dinner with frozen strawberry margaritas.
Nutritional Value
This recipe is high in protein from the chicken and has fiber from the peppers and onions. The cheese adds calcium and fat, so it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. Pair it with a side of rice, beans, or a salad to round things out.
Cooking Tips and Substitutions
Slice your chicken into even pieces so it cooks at the same rate.
Don’t skip the step of tossing the peppers and onions with seasoning before adding them to the pan. That’s where a lot of the flavor comes from.
If you don’t have chicken breasts for baked fajita, chicken thighs work just fine.
You can also use pre-cut frozen pepper and onion mixes if you’re short on time.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime or a spoon of salsa before baking.
Shredded cheddar melts well, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend also works.
If you like heat, throw in a few jalapeño slices or use hot taco seasoning.
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Bake it when you’re ready. Also, try freezer-friendly casseroles for quick dinners.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
It stays good for about 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, just make sure it’s cooled before freezing. Reheat covered in the oven so the cheese doesn’t burn. Check out Tips for freezing casseroles.
One Pan Baked Fajita Chicken Final Thoughts
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a go-to for a reason. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. With just one pan and a few steps, dinner is simple without giving up taste or texture.
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large (1 lb | 453 g) chicken breast boneless, skinless, halved
- 2 cups (12.34 oz | 350 g) bell peppers sliced, mixed colors
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups (5.99 oz | 170 g) Colby cheese shredded
Fajita spices
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 392 F | 200 C.
- In a large bowl, add chicken and bell peppers.
- In a small bowl, combine fajita spices then add to the chicken and bell peppers. Toss well to combine.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet with oil on medium heat. Add chicken breasts on one side of the skillet and bell peppers on the other side. Sear chicken for a bit more than 1 minute on each side. Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake until the cheese melts. About 10 minutes.
- Remove. Allow to rest for 1 minute before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.