If you’re craving all the flavors of fajitas without the hassle of cooking on the stovetop, this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is the perfect solution. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a generous amount of melted Mexican cheese. Plus, with minimal prep and just one baking dish, it’s a fuss-free meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side, and you’ve got a delicious, cheesy dinner the whole family will love!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep, this dish is perfect for when you need a simple but satisfying dinner.
One-Pan Meal: Everything bakes together in one dish, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward—perfect for those hectic nights.
Loaded with Flavor: Fajita seasoning and sautéed veggies bring a burst of flavor to each bite, while the melted cheese adds a rich, comforting finish.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the veggies, add more spices, or use different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this quick and cheesy fajita-inspired dish:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of the dish, providing lean protein and staying tender and juicy when baked.
1 packet fajita seasoning: A convenient way to infuse the chicken with bold fajita flavors. You can use store-bought or make your own homemade blend for extra customization.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds a bit of richness to the dish.
1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds a pop of color and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
1 green bell pepper (sliced): Balances out the sweetness of the red pepper with a more earthy flavor.
1 onion (sliced): Provides a mild sweetness and depth of flavor, balancing out the fajita seasoning.
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully over the chicken and veggies, adding richness and a cheesy finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken and veggies.

2. Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together the fajita seasoning and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bowl and toss them in the mixture until they are fully coated. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and keep it moist while it bakes.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

Slice the red and green bell peppers and the onion into thin strips. These will add both color and flavor to your dish, giving it that signature fajita vibe.

4. Assemble the Dish

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased or lined baking dish. Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onion over and around the chicken. This layering ensures that all the flavors meld together as they bake, and the vegetables will release their juices, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.

5. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables. This is where the magic happens—the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust that pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken and veggies.

6. Bake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, the cooking time may vary slightly.

How to Serve

Once your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. You can serve this dish with:

Rice: A side of fluffy rice soaks up the flavorful juices from the chicken and veggies. You can try Spanish rice, cilantro lime rice, or even a simple steamed rice to complement the dish.
Tortillas: Serve it with warm tortillas for a more traditional fajita experience. You can wrap the chicken, peppers, and onions in the tortillas for a handheld meal.
Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a side of guacamole for extra flavor and creaminess.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to customize to your liking. Here are a few ideas to switch it up:

Add Heat: If you like things spicy, throw in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes along with the bell peppers and onions.
Switch Up the Cheese: Feel free to use other types of cheese, like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
Vegetable Variations: You can add or swap out vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn would make delicious additions to this dish.
Make It a Casserole: If you want to make it heartier, add cooked rice or quinoa to the baking dish before adding the chicken and veggies for a complete one-pan meal.

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. Just be mindful that they may take a bit longer to cook, so check the internal temperature before removing them from the oven.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Can I Use Homemade Fajita Seasoning?

Of course! If you prefer to make your own seasoning, simply combine a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a homemade fajita seasoning blend.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 20g

This dish offers a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and just the right amount of carbs, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Final Thought

This Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is the perfect recipe when you’re craving all the delicious flavors of fajitas but don’t want to stand over the stove. With tender chicken, sautéed veggies, and melty cheese all in one dish, it’s a satisfying and easy dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it with rice, stuffing it into tortillas, or enjoying it on its own, it’s a dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.