If you’re searching for an easy yet outrageously flavorful weeknight meal, Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is about to become your new obsession. This colorful, crowd-pleasing dish brings together juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts, a rainbow of bell peppers and onions, and a gooey blanket of melted Mexican cheese. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with Tex-Mex flair, and so versatile you can serve it over rice, stuff it in tortillas, or simply enjoy it straight from the baking dish. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken, it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the vibrant veggies to the melty cheese, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor, color, and just the right amount of sizzle.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 ½ lbs): The tender, juicy base that soaks up all the fajita flavor.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps everything roast beautifully while keeping the chicken moist.
Fajita Seasoning (1 tablespoon): The magic blend that delivers classic Tex-Mex spice in every bite—store-bought or homemade both work!
Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
Green Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Brings a slightly grassy flavor and rounds out the pepper trio.
Yellow Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Extra sweetness and sunshine on your plate.
Small Red Onion (1, sliced): Delivers a subtle bite and caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (1 ½ cups): The crowning glory that melts into irresistible gooeyness.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavors.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness and color just before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray. This simple step ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll appreciate it later!

Step 2: Toss the Veggies

In a small bowl, combine your sliced bell peppers and red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good toss so every piece gets a light coating. Spread the veggies evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish; this creates a colorful, flavorful bed for your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken breasts all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle both sides generously with fajita seasoning. Don’t be shy—the seasoning is what brings the Tex-Mex magic! Place the seasoned chicken directly on top of the veggie layer.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through, juicy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The peppers and onions should be tender and just starting to caramelize around the edges.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chicken and veggies. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer of deliciousness. Let your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps all those juices settle and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh cilantro sprinkled over the top adds a bright, zesty finish that beautifully complements the warm, cheesy flavors. If you love a little extra tang, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is a game-changer!

Side Dishes

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is delicious over fluffy rice, tucked into warm tortillas, or paired with a side of black or pinto beans. For a lighter touch, serve it with a crisp green salad or cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb but still satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your leftovers into fajita-inspired tacos or wraps! You can also chop up the chicken and veggies to make loaded nachos, stuff them into baked potatoes, or use them as a hearty topping for a Tex-Mex salad. The possibilities are nearly endless, making this dish a true mealtime hero.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken for up to 2 months. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. For best results, freeze the chicken and veggies together, but add fresh cheese when reheating for the ultimate melt.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a speedy lunch—just heat in 30-second bursts until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and take on the fajita seasoning beautifully. Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes in the oven, so always check for doneness.

Is Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken spicy?

The dish has a gentle, family-friendly kick thanks to the fajita seasoning. If you like more heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking!

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything (except the cheese) up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the recipe as written.

What kind of cheese works best?

A shredded Mexican blend is perfect for Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken, but feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you want more spice and flavor variety.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken in your own kitchen! It’s the perfect blend of easy preparation and big, bold flavors—ideal for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, colorful bite!

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with fajita spices and topped with melted Mexican blend cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines vibrant flavors with a comforting cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced

Cheese and Garnish

1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Toss Vegetables: In a small bowl, combine the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced red onion. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper to season evenly.
Arrange Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish as a colorful base layer for the chicken.
Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then coat both sides thoroughly with the fajita seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Place Chicken on Vegetables: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the arranged vegetables in the baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
Bake Chicken and Vegetables: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the cooked chicken and vegetables.
Melt Cheese: Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Rest and Garnish: Let the baked fajita chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve this dish over rice, wrapped in warm tortillas, or paired with a side of beans for a complete meal.
To save prep time, you can use pre-sliced fajita vegetables available in many grocery stores.
For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños to the vegetable mix before baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American