Go Back
For this easy chicken fajita bake, you need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced These fresh ingredients bring color and crunch to your dish. The chicken forms a nice base, while the bell peppers and onion add a sweet, savory touch. For flavor, gather these spices: - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper These spices create a warm and zesty taste. They help the chicken shine while adding depth to the veggies. When serving, consider these additions: - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup sour cream (for serving) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Flour tortillas (for serving) The cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess. Sour cream cools the dish down, while cilantro gives it a fresh kick. Warm tortillas make it easy to enjoy every bite. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a great bake. A hot oven cooks the chicken evenly and helps the veggies get tender. Take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in a large, deep baking dish. Arrange them side by side in a single layer. This keeps them from steaming and helps them cook well. Next, you’ll want to season the chicken. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper over the chicken. Don’t hold back on the spices! They add a lot of flavor. Now it’s time for the veggies. Thinly slice 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 yellow onion. Layer these sliced veggies on top of the chicken. Toss the vegetables gently in the spices. This helps them soak up all that good flavor. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps keep the moisture in. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil. Watch out for steam! Bake for another 15 minutes. Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The veggies should be tender. When done, take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven for 5 more minutes. Wait for the cheese to melt and bubble. Let the fajita bake cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice the chicken into strips. Enjoy your tasty meal with warm flour tortillas and a dollop of sour cream. Don’t forget to add some fresh cilantro on top for a nice touch! To make your chicken fajita bake perfect, start with even chicken pieces. Cut the chicken breasts to similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F to ensure safe eating. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This keeps the chicken moist. Remove the foil later to brown the top. To boost flavor, try adding lime juice or fresh garlic. Lime juice adds a bright zing. You can also use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. Toss your vegetables with olive oil before layering. It enhances their taste and texture. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Serve the fajita bake with warm flour tortillas. This makes it easy to enjoy. Add sour cream for creaminess and chopped cilantro for freshness. You can also include avocado slices or a fresh salad on the side. This adds color and crunch. Don’t forget to offer extra lime wedges for squeezing on top! Pro Tips Even Cooking: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer to ensure even cooking throughout. Flavor Boost: Don’t be shy with the spices! A generous sprinkle will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Moisture Lock: Covering the dish with aluminum foil during the first half of baking helps retain moisture for juicier chicken. Cheese Perfection: For the best melt, add cheese during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that bubbly, golden top. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other proteins in this dish. Try sliced beef, pork, or shrimp. Each option gives a new taste. Beef adds a rich flavor. Pork gives a nice sweetness. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a seafood twist. Just adjust baking time based on the protein you choose. If you want a meat-free option, use hearty vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant work well. You can also add beans for protein. Chickpeas or black beans add texture and flavor. For a cheesy touch, use extra cheese or a plant-based cheese. This makes a filling meal without meat. You can change the spices for a new flavor. Try adding taco seasoning for a classic taste. Or use curry powder for an Indian twist. Adding lime juice brightens up the dish. You can even throw in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra freshness. After enjoying your chicken fajita bake, let leftovers cool down. Place the dish in an airtight container. This keeps the meal fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the flavors bright, don’t wait too long to eat it! If you want to keep the fajita bake longer, freezing is a great option. Make sure the dish is completely cool. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. Label the container with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fajita bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating. Just make sure to cover it to prevent drying out. Enjoy your meal just as delicious as the first time! Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Thighs have more fat, making them juicy. They can add great flavor to your fajita bake. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook. If you need a substitute for sour cream, try Greek yogurt. It has a similar texture and tang. You can also use avocado or a dairy-free cream for a different flavor. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the chicken. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it is cooked. Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Just assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This makes it easy for busy days! This article covered the key parts of preparing a tasty dish. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to change the recipe based on your needs. We also discussed how to store leftovers safely. Remember, cooking can be fun and flexible. With practice, you can make this dish your own! Enjoy your time in the kitchen.

Savory Chicken Fajita Bake

A delicious and easy-to-make chicken fajita bake with colorful bell peppers and spices, topped with melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 piece yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream (for serving)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • as needed pieces flour tortillas (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the dish is prepared.
  • In a large, deep baking dish, lay the chicken breasts side by side in a single layer.
  • Evenly sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken breasts.
  • Layer the sliced red and green bell peppers, along with the yellow onion, atop the seasoned chicken.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
  • When the chicken is done, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
  • Let the fajita bake cool for a few minutes before slicing the chicken into strips.
  • Serve the chicken and veggies alongside warm flour tortillas, topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve with warm flour tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Keyword bake, chicken, dinner, easy, fajitas