Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature to bake the chicken breasts to perfection without drying them out.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasonings adhere better and result in a crispy outer layer.
• Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet.

3. Season the Chicken

• In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and then rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken. Make sure each breast is coated well for maximum flavor.

4. Bake the Chicken

• Bake the seasoned chicken breasts in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy.

5. Add the Veggies and Cheese

• Once the chicken is nearly done, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the diced bell peppers and red onions evenly around the chicken breasts. This will allow them to soften and absorb the flavors of the fajita seasoning while the chicken finishes cooking.
• Top each chicken breast with a generous portion of shredded cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Once your chicken is out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a burst of tangy flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added pop of color and freshness.
• Serve your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, tortillas, or a simple green salad.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Rice: Pair the chicken with fluffy rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice) to soak up the flavorful juices.
• In Tortillas: Turn it into a fajita-style wrap by serving the chicken and toppings inside soft flour tortillas or corn tortillas.
• With a Salad: Serve it with a fresh salad, such as a Mexican-style corn salad, avocado salad, or a simple greens and tomato salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.
• With Guacamole and Sour Cream: For extra indulgence, add a side of guacamole and sour cream.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

1. Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness (about 1 inch) so they cook evenly and quickly.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature. 165°F is the sweet spot for juicy chicken.
3. Add Extra Heat: If you like your fajitas with a little more spice, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the chicken before serving.
4. Swap Out the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of bell peppers or onions, you can swap them for other fajita-friendly veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
5. Make it Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a fiery kick.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is the ultimate balance of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness. The fajita seasoning gives the chicken a bold, smoky flavor, while the melted cheese brings comfort and richness. The bell peppers and onions add the perfect level of sweetness and crunch, making every bite a flavorful experience. Plus, the lime and cilantro brighten up the dish and tie all the flavors together.

Not only is it an absolute crowd-pleaser, but this dish is also super versatile. Whether you enjoy it as-is with rice, wrapped in tortillas, or served over a salad, you can customize it to suit your cravings. And best of all, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.

For those busy weeknights when you want something that’s both quick and satisfying, or for a fun family dinner, this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is the answer. Simple to make, full of flavor, and incredibly delicious, this dish is sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.