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Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

A quick and flavorful one-skillet meal featuring spiced chicken, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 piece jalapeño, sliced, for heat
  • 1 cup black beans, for protein
  • 1/2 cup corn, for sweetness
  • Avocado slices, for a creamy finish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend over both sides of each chicken breast.
  3. If possible, marinate the seasoned chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced peppers and onion for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften.
  3. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the sautéed vegetables.
  4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and vegetables. Optionally, add black beans, corn, or jalapeños.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  6. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to keep cheese melty. This dish is adaptable; try different vegetables or proteins as desired.