Description
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings together bold Tex-Mex flavors with cheesy, baked goodness, this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is perfect for you! This dish combines tender chicken breasts with colorful bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning, and a generous layer of melted cheese, all baked to perfection.
Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also requires just one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a great recipe for meal prep or family dinners. With the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and juiciness, this dish will become a regular in your recipe collection.
Let’s dive into the details so you can make this mouthwatering cheesy baked fajita chicken right in your kitchen!
Ingredients
To make this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken, you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Fajita Mixture:
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 medium red onion, sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Cheese Topping:
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1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes:
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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½ cup sour cream
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½ avocado, sliced
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Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
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Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them.
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Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the seasoning evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Prepare the Fajita Vegetables
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In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the sliced red onion.
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Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the vegetables. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and garlic powder. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
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Evenly distribute the seasoned vegetables over and around the chicken in the baking dish.
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Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake Again
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After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend and mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
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Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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For an extra golden-brown cheesy topping, switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
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Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
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Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg