Super Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken Recipe for Taco Night

Whipping up a delightful cheesy baked fajita chicken promises a flavor adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Colorful bell peppers and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination that screams comfort food.

Crispy edges and melted cheese beckon you to dive right in.

Spices blend seamlessly, infusing each bite with a zesty kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without stress.

Peppers sizzle, cheese bubbles, and aromas fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth.

Why This Baked Fajita Chicken Is So Flavorful

• Craft Flavor-Packed Meal: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors that transform ordinary chicken into an exciting dinner experience.
• Simplify Cooking Process: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques or extensive kitchen skills.
• Customize Your Plate: Versatile serving options like pairing with rice, tortillas, or enjoying solo make this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences and meal styles.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The melted cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant bell peppers create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both picky eaters and food enthusiasts with its bold, comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein source that provides a lean and tender base for the fajita-style dish.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, smooth texture and helps create a creamy sauce that coats the chicken.
• Salsa: Brings a zesty flavor and moisture to the cream cheese mixture, enhancing the overall taste.

• Fajita Seasoning: Provides a classic Mexican-inspired spice blend that gives the dish its signature fajita flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color, crunch, and a sweet, fresh element to the baked chicken.
• Shredded Cheese: Creates a melty, golden topping that adds extra richness and flavor to the dish.

How to Make Fajita Chicken in the Oven

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Crank up your oven to 375F (190C) and give a quick spray of cooking oil to a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Position the Chicken

Gently lay chicken breasts across the bottom of the baking dish in a single, even layer.

Step 3: Create Creamy Fajita Sauce

• Softened cream cheese
• Zesty salsa
• Robust fajita seasoning

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Pour the creamy fajita sauce over the chicken, making sure every inch is covered in deliciousness.

Step 5: Add Colorful Peppers

Scatter sliced bell peppers across the top of the sauced chicken for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the peppers.

Pro tip: If using thick chicken breasts, wait until halfway through cooking to add cheese to prevent burning.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven’s center rack and bake for 20-45 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it’s completely cooked through.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your tangy creation solo or alongside Spanish rice, cauliflower rice, or warm tortillas.

Step 10: Dig In

Savor every cheesy, spicy bite of your fajita chicken masterpiece!

Tips to Make the Best Cheesy Fajita Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help the cream cheese mixture adhere better and create a crispier top layer.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F using a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking and prevent dryness.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version without compromising flavor intensity.
• Replace bell peppers with zucchini or spinach for variety and different nutritional profiles.
• Consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat if you prefer spicier dishes.

Great Add-Ins for Baked Chicken Fajitas

• Mexican-Style Protein Swap: Replace chicken with lean ground turkey or beef for a different protein base with similar spicy fajita flavors.
• Low-Carb Green Chile Version: Substitute bell peppers with green chiles and use low-fat cream cheese for a zestier, lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Option: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and dairy-free cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate oregano, basil, and thyme with Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired protein bake with similar creamy texture.

What Sides Go with Fajita Chicken

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tangy lime margaritas to complement the spicy fajita seasoning and creamy cheese, cutting through the richness with bright citrus notes.
• Serve with Cilantro-Lime Rice: Create a light, refreshing side dish that echoes the Mexican-inspired flavors of the chicken, adding a clean herbal contrast to the cheesy main course.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Salad: Toss together a light salad with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette to balance the heavy, rich texture of the baked chicken.
• Select Cool Sour Cream Garnish: Top the dish with a dollop of cool sour cream to temper the spicy fajita seasoning and provide a creamy, cooling element that enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Keep Fajita Chicken Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container seals completely to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature and stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely before baking to ensure even cooking and proper temperature throughout the meat.

• What type of salsa works best in this recipe?

Medium or mild salsa works great. Avoid extremely chunky salsas that might prevent smooth cream cheese blending.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer – chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time when baking directly from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 45 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with bold spices and melted cheese. Spicy, tender chicken nestled with colorful peppers creates a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds thinly sliced chicken breasts
• 1/2 (1 ounce) packet of fajita seasoning

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 12 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)

Vegetables and Extras:

• 2 large bell peppers, sliced
• 1/3 cup salsa

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the dish, ensuring even spacing.
3. Whisk cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform.
4. Generously coat each chicken breast with the cream cheese blend, making sure every surface is covered.
5. Distribute bell pepper slices across the top of the cream cheese-covered chicken, creating a colorful layer.
6. Liberally scatter shredded cheese over the peppers, ensuring complete coverage while preventing potential burning by adding cheese midway through cooking.
7. Position the dish on the center oven rack and bake for 25-40 minutes, monitoring chicken doneness through internal temperature or clear juices.
8. Allow the dish to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute juices and enhance flavor.
9. Plate the chicken alongside preferred accompaniments like Spanish rice, cauliflower rice, or warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.
10. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or additional salsa before serving to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and taste profile.

Notes

• Check chicken thickness to ensure even cooking, using a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Customize the heat level by selecting mild or spicy salsa and adjusting fajita seasoning according to personal preference.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cream cheese and part-skim shredded cheese without compromising flavor intensity.
• Prepare a gluten-free version by confirming seasoning blend is certified gluten-free and serving with gluten-free tortillas or cauliflower rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 45
• Calories: 296
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 334 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg