Description
This Fajita Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful sautéed mixture of bell peppers, onions, and spices, topped with melted cheese and baked to juicy perfection. Perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired main course that’s both gluten-free and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Vegetables & Spices
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices and blend the flavors. Remove from heat and mix in lime juice for brightness.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, creating space for the filling.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken pocket with the sautéed fajita vegetable mixture and a generous amount of shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary to keep filling inside during baking.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño to the fajita filling for extra heat and spice.
- Serve the stuffed chicken with rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh side salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
