Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

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If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort, this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is going to be your new weeknight favorite. It has everything you love about classic fajitas—juicy, seasoned chicken, tender peppers and onions, and plenty of melted cheese—all baked together in one dish.

What makes this recipe so great? First, it’s incredibly simple. You just season the chicken, toss in the veggies, bake, and finish with cheese. Second, it’s super versatile. You can serve it over rice, wrap it in a tortilla, or even enjoy it on its own with a side salad. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze since everything bakes in one pan.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay juicy. To make cleanup easier, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. If you prefer, you can also line the dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Now, take your four boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them directly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken. Then, grab your packet of fajita seasoning and sprinkle it evenly over each piece. Make sure to coat both sides so you get maximum flavor in every bite. You can use store-bought seasoning for convenience or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

No fajita dish is complete without peppers and onions. Slice one red bell pepper, one green bell pepper, and one onion into thin strips. In a medium bowl, toss the veggies with a small drizzle of olive oil. If you want even more bold seasoning, sprinkle in a little extra fajita seasoning and mix well. Then, arrange the sliced peppers and onions around and on top of the chicken in the baking dish.

At this point, your kitchen is already smelling incredible, but the real magic happens in the oven. Stay tuned for the next steps as we move on to baking, adding the cheese, and finishing this dish with the perfect garnishes!

Step 4: Bake Until Juicy and Tender

Now that your chicken and veggies are prepped, it’s time to let the oven do the work. Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil—this helps trap in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy while the peppers and onions soften perfectly.

Place the dish in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into one of the chicken breasts to check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake Again

Once the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time for the best part—cheese! Remove the foil and generously sprinkle one cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the chicken and veggies. If you love extra cheese, feel free to add a little more.

Place the dish back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The slight crispiness on the edges of the cheese adds a delicious texture that makes this dish irresistible.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Add the Finishing Touches

After removing the dish from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.

For the final touch, squeeze the juice of one fresh lime over the dish. The citrusy brightness cuts through the richness of the cheese and enhances all those bold fajita flavors. Then, sprinkle on freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

At this point, your kitchen smells absolutely incredible, and your cheesy baked fajita chicken is ready to serve. Whether you scoop it onto a plate as-is, stuff it into warm tortillas, or pair it with rice, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re making this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken for the first time, you might have a few questions. Here are some of the most common ones to help you get the best results.

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs may take a few extra minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
A Mexican cheese blend works best because it melts well and adds a great mix of flavors. However, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you like a little heat.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven as directed—no extra steps needed.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking. You can also use spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.

6. What sides go best with this dish?
This cheesy fajita chicken pairs well with Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with warm tortillas to make fajita-style wraps.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is proof that a simple, one-pan meal can still be packed with flavor. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s super versatile—serve it with rice, wrap it in a tortilla, or enjoy it on its own.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists or extra toppings? Leave a comment and share your experience. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy fajita chicken!

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Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken


  • Author: Andrew Recipes

Description

This easy, one-pan meal is packed with bold fajita flavors, juicy chicken, and melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes:

  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for serving

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2️⃣ Season the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken, making sure all sides are coated.

3️⃣ Prepare the Veggies:
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers and onion with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fajita seasoning (optional). Spread them evenly around and on top of the chicken breasts.

4️⃣ Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5️⃣ Add the Cheese:
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and veggies. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and your favorite toppings. Serve as-is, or pair with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

Notes

✔️ Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
✔️ Use different cheeses: Swap the Mexican cheese blend for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
✔️ Meal prep-friendly: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping.

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