Description
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with the vibrant, smoky flavors of fajitas, all topped off with gooey, melted cheese. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. The chicken is baked to juicy perfection with a savory fajita seasoning, and then layered with cheese for an irresistible, cheesy finish. Whether you serve it with rice, a side salad, or in tortillas for fajita wraps, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Fajita Seasoning: The blend of spices used in fajita seasoning creates a perfect balance of smokiness, heat, and tang that flavors the chicken beautifully.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook evenly and remain juicy when baked.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend creates a wonderfully gooey, melty topping that enhances the fajita flavor.
- Bell Pepper and Onion: Sautéed peppers and onions are a traditional part of fajitas, and adding them as a topping enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or lightly coat it with olive oil.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the fajita seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. If using, add the sliced bell pepper and onion around the chicken in the dish for extra flavor and texture.
Bake and Add Cheese:
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Top with Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake Again: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice, tortillas, or a salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 35g