If you’re searching for a dinner that checks every box—big flavor, satisfying protein, irresistible cheesiness, and vibrant color—look no further than Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken. This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts, a rainbow of sweet peppers and onions, punchy fajita spices, and a golden blanket of melted cheese for a one-pan meal that’s as easy as it is impressive. It takes hardly any prep, bakes up in the oven (no stovetop mess!), and never fails to delight everyone at the table. Trust me, Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is about to become your weeknight staple!

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient stars in its own right, adding color, depth, and craveworthy flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to make Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken shine.

Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all those spices and cheesy goodness.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Green Bell Pepper: Brings an earthy flavor and classic fajita character to every bite.
Yellow Bell Pepper: Mild and slightly fruity, this pepper brightens up both the look and flavor.
Red Onion: Lends mellow sweetness and depth once baked, balancing the savory chicken and cheese.
Olive Oil: Helps the vegetables roast up tender and glistening, while carrying all those spices.
Fajita Seasoning: The flavor foundation! Use store-bought or homemade for that unmistakable fajita kick.
Garlic Powder: Adds an extra aromatic punch that complements both the chicken and veggies.
Salt: Essential for amplifying every other flavor in the pan—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Brings a subtle heat and gentle sharpness to round out the dish.
Mexican Blend Cheese: The creamy, melty finishing touch that makes this chicken absolutely irresistible.
Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkled at the end for a bright, herby freshness that lifts all the flavors.
Optional Lime Wedges: Squeeze over just before serving for a zesty pop that makes everything sing.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when your pan goes in. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then nestle the chicken breasts inside. Lining them up in a single layer ensures they cook evenly and soak up plenty of flavor from the toppings.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Veggies

While the oven heats, grab a large bowl and toss together your thinly sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers with the red onion. Give them a good drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle in the fajita seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or tongs to make sure every veggie slice is coated with those fabulous spices, setting up maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Layer Everything in the Baking Dish

Spoon the seasoned veggies generously over and all around your chicken breasts. They’ll shrink a bit as they roast, so pile them on! The vegetables not only lend their flavor to the Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken, but they also keep the chicken moist during baking.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. This helps lock in moisture so your chicken stays perfectly juicy while those veggies soften and mingle with the fajita spices—and your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Pull the dish out, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam), and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese all over the top. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 to 12 minutes. When the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown, your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is ready! The chicken will be perfectly cooked, and the vegetables golden and succulent.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes, then shower the top with freshly chopped cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side if you like that bright, zesty finish. You’ll want to dig in immediately—the cheese, the spices, those tender peppers—heaven!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken with a generous scattering of fresh cilantro for a burst of herby flavor and color. Lime wedges are the perfect partner here—a little squeeze right before eating brings out all the fresh, zippy notes and balances the richness of the cheese. For extra flair, you can also add some sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream.

Side Dishes

This dish plays well with just about anything! Spoon it over fluffy rice, tuck it into warm tortillas with all your favorite taco fixings, or serve it alongside a crisp green salad to keep things light. If you’re feeling extra festive, a side of seasoned black beans or buttery corn makes dinner a true fiesta.

Creative Ways to Present

You can slice the chicken and serve everything family-style, letting everyone build their own fajita wraps straight from the pan. Or, for a party, pile the cheesy chicken and veggies onto tostada shells or even load them into cheesy quesadillas. Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is also fantastic as a meal prep option—just portion it into lunch boxes with a side of greens or grains.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Once cooled, transfer everything to an airtight container and store for up to 3–4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making the leftovers just as mouthwatering as the first night!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe for future cravings. Allow the chicken and veggies to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months—just note that the veggies will be softer after thawing, but the taste remains fantastic. If possible, add the cheese fresh after reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For oven reheating, cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through and the cheese has re-melted. In a pinch, the microwave works well for individual portions; just cover lightly so the chicken stays moist, and heat until hot throughout. A quick spritz of lime and fresh cilantro will refresh the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and offer a richer, juicier bite. Follow the same baking directions but check for doneness, as thighs can take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken spicy?

It’s got bold, lively flavors, but the dish isn’t inherently spicy unless your fajita seasoning or added garnishes (like jalapeños) turn up the heat. For more kick, sprinkle in cayenne or hot sauce before baking.

What type Main Course

A Mexican blend is classic for its melt and flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack if you want a little extra zing. Use whatever you love and have on hand!

Can I prep Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely. Slice your veggies and chicken, and toss them with seasonings up to 24 hours before baking. Store everything (uncooked) covered in the fridge, then assemble and bake fresh when you’re ready for dinner.

What can I do with leftovers besides reheating?

Leftovers are super versatile: shred or slice the chicken for burrito bowls, salads, or even cheesy fajita sandwiches. It’s equally fabulous tucked into wraps or on top of a baked potato for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright special about Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken: it’s unfussy, colorful, and so packed with flavor that it’ll wow everyone, anytime. Give it a whirl next time you need a reliable dinner that delivers on all fronts—you’re going to fall in love with every cheesy, veggie-loaded bite!

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pan dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are baked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese for a delicious meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

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

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Optional: lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Season the Vegetables: In a bowl, toss bell peppers and onion with olive oil, fajita seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bake: Spread seasoned vegetables over and around the chicken, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked and cheese is melted.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in fajita seasoning and lime juice for 30 minutes before baking.
This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a simple side salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired