Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken combines the bold flavors of fajita seasoning with tender chicken breasts, topped with melted cheddar cheese and sautéed bell peppers and onions. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and will satisfy your craving for Tex-Mex comfort food. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or a side of veggies for a complete meal.

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 with fajita seasoning.
Top the chicken with the sliced bell pepper and onion.
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil, top with shredded cheddar cheese, 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

Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the baking dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use Different Cheese: Swap cheddar cheese for other options like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for an extra kick.
Make it Low-Carb: Serve the chicken without tortillas, or pair it with a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or place the chicken and veggies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

10 FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They may need a few extra minutes to cook through due to their higher fat content.
Can I use homemade fajita seasoning? Yes, homemade fajita seasoning works perfectly. Just mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready.
Can I freeze Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What sides can I serve with this dish? This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, a fresh salad, or guacamole and salsa.
Can I use pre-sliced veggies? Yes, using pre-sliced bell peppers and onions will save you time. You can even buy frozen fajita vegetable mixes.
Can I add more cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese to make the dish extra cheesy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more fajita seasoning, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Can I use a different protein? You can use chicken thighs, pork chops, or even fish like tilapia in place of chicken breasts for a different protein.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers the deliciousness of fajitas in an easy, oven-baked format. With tender chicken, savory fajita seasoning, and a melty layer of cheese, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends. Enjoy it on its own or pair with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal!