- Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake

$For the Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake, you need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow onion, sliced - 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika These ingredients create a hearty base that brings great flavor and texture. You will want to use: - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese These cheeses melt beautifully and add a creamy richness to the dish. You might also consider: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish Olive oil helps sauté the veggies, while cilantro adds a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot when you bake. Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet. I like using cast iron for even cooking. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Season them with some salt and pepper. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and smell great. Now, let’s season the chicken. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle them with 2 teaspoons of fajita seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika on both sides. Place the chicken in the skillet next to the vegetables. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once it's cooked, layer the sautéed vegetables over the chicken. Then, sprinkle 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake it for 20-25 minutes. Check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). This step is key to ensuring it's safe to eat. If the cheese is melted and bubbly, you did it right! Let it cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro if you want. Enjoy this hearty meal! For the full recipe, check back to the beginning. To customize spice levels, taste your seasoning. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. For a milder dish, use less fajita seasoning. You can replace it with taco seasoning for a different taste. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. For ingredient substitutions, consider using different colors of bell peppers. Yellow or orange peppers add sweetness. You can swap chicken for turkey or even tofu for a plant-based option. If you lack garlic powder, fresh minced garlic works well too. To identify doneness, check the chicken's internal temperature. It should read 165°F (75°C) with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Letting the dish rest is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute. It keeps the chicken moist and tasty. Wait about five minutes before serving. This simple step makes a big difference in flavor. Pair your Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. You can also serve it with warm tortilla chips for a fun twist. For presentation, garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges. Serve in the skillet for a rustic look. This makes your dish feel special and inviting. Check the [Full Recipe](#) for more ideas! {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in the Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake to fit your tastes. If you want a lighter meal, use turkey instead of chicken. Turkey has a leaner profile but still absorbs the fajita flavors well. If you're plant-based, try tofu. It soaks up seasonings nicely and gives a good texture. For vegetables, bell peppers and onions are classic, but don’t stop there. Zucchini adds a nice crunch and moisture. Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with the spices. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! To boost the flavor, add spices like cumin or chili powder. These spices kick up the heat and deepen the taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also brighten the dish. They add freshness that balances the cheese. Experimenting with cheese can change the whole experience. Swap out cheddar and Monterey Jack for pepper jack if you like it spicy. You can also use goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just remember to keep the textures creamy. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your seasoning blends to ensure they are free of gluten. For a low-carb option, skip the rice and serve it over a bed of leafy greens. For vegan alternatives, replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Use plant-based cheese to keep the cheesy goodness. This way, you can enjoy a hearty meal that fits your diet. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above! To store leftovers, let them cool down first. Place the cheesy fajita chicken bake in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze this dish for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. This keeps the flavors intact and the cheese gooey. Leftover cheesy fajita bake can be fun to use in other meals. Try chopping it up and adding it to a salad. You can also make a quesadilla with the leftovers. Just place the chicken and cheese between tortillas and cook until crispy. Another option is to stir it into scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast. Get creative and enjoy! Bake the Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Check the chicken's doneness by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, with no pink. It's important not to overbake, or the chicken can dry out. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just remember to adjust your cooking time. If using frozen chicken, bake it for about 10-15 minutes longer. Ensure the chicken still reaches 165°F (75°C). You might want to sauté the veggies first and then add the frozen chicken. This way, the flavors will still blend well. Always check the chicken for doneness before serving. If you can't find fajita seasoning, you have options! You can use taco seasoning as a substitute. It has similar spices and flavors. For a homemade mix, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This blend gives a great taste. Adjust the amounts to suit your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat if you like it spicy. This blog post covered how to make a delicious cheesy fajita chicken bake. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, peppers, onions, and two tasty cheeses. I shared step-by-step prep and cooking tips to make it easy. We also explored variations and storage methods for your meals. Remember, you can adjust flavors and ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy creating your own cheesy fajita masterpiece!$

- Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake

Indulge in the flavors of a Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake, a perfect weeknight dish! With juicy chicken breasts, vibrant bell peppers, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and packed with delicious seasoning, it makes dinner a breeze. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this cheesy delight!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow onion, sliced

2 teaspoons fajita seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.

Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Season the chicken breasts with fajita seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides, then place them in the skillet.

Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.

Once the chicken is cooked on both sides, sprinkle the sautéed vegetables evenly over the chicken.

Top the chicken and vegetables with both types of cheese.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once done, let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4