Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Victoria

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into ½-inch strips
  • Bell Peppers: 3 large bell peppers, a mix of colors (e.g., one red, one yellow, one orange), deseeded and sliced into ¼-inch strips
  • Onion: 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced into ¼-inch strips
  • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, extra virgin

For the Homemade Fajita Seasoning:

  • Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons
  • Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon (or sweet paprika if preferred)
  • Cumin: 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic Powder: 1.5 teaspoons
  • Onion Powder: 1.5 teaspoons
  • Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (preferably Mexican oregano)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (or more, to taste)

For the Cheesy Topping:

  • Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz) of a Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large, rimmed baking sheet. Using a large pan is crucial; if the ingredients are too crowded, they will steam instead of roast, preventing them from developing those delicious caramelized edges. If needed, use two smaller baking sheets.

Step 2: Make the Fajita Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine all the fajita seasoning ingredients: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly mixed. This ensures an even distribution of flavor.

Step 3: Season the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the sliced chicken, sliced bell peppers, and sliced onion directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the homemade fajita seasoning blend over the ingredients. Using your hands or a pair of tongs, toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in oil and spices.

Step 4: Arrange for Roasting
Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture into a single, even layer on the baking sheet. This is the most important step for achieving a proper roast. A single layer allows hot air to circulate around each piece, promoting browning and caramelization.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken strips. The chicken should be cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), and the vegetables should be tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Broil (Optional but Recommended)
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning over the top for an extra flavor boost. Evenly distribute the 2 cups of shredded cheese over the chicken and vegetables.

Step 7: The Final Melt
Return the baking sheet to the oven. You can either bake for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or for a restaurant-style finish, switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching it very closely, until the cheese is bubbling and has beautiful golden-brown spots. The broiler is intense, so do not walk away during this step!

Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: One Normal Portion
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 42g