Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of seasoned chicken with the sweetness of bell peppers and onions, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers the bold flavors of fajitas with minimal preparation. With only a few ingredients and a simple method, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Top the chicken with the sliced bell pepper and onion.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and chicken.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and top the chicken with the shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños to the bell peppers and onions for a bit of heat.
- Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
- Add More Veggies: You can add additional veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes to the baking dish for more variety.
- Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, you may need to increase the baking time.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just top with cheese and bake when ready to serve.
- Can I use a different seasoning? Absolutely! If you don’t have fajita seasoning, you can use taco seasoning or a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for similar flavors.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook the chicken and veggies in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours. Add the cheese in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Can I serve this dish with a side? This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with tortillas to make fajitas.
- Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts? Yes, chicken tenders can be used. Just reduce the cooking time to about 20 minutes, as tenders cook faster than breasts.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken before baking, or top the finished dish with hot sauce.
- Can I use other meats? Yes, you can use pork chops, turkey breasts, or beef, but the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat.
- How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer is the best way to check.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that brings together the bold taste of fajitas with the comfort of cheesy goodness. It’s an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t require much prep, and it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish will be a hit with the whole family.
PrintCheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. Chicken breasts are seasoned with fajita seasoning, topped with bell peppers and onions, and smothered in melted cheddar cheese. It’s a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
- Top the chicken with sliced bell pepper and onion.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Serve this dish with a side of rice, tortillas, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- You can use any bell pepper color you like, or even add a jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- If you want a lower-fat version, substitute the cheddar cheese with a reduced-fat variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes