If you’re craving a dish that brings together vibrant flavors, melty cheese, and tender, juicy chicken, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken. This recipe perfectly captures the smoky spices of traditional fajitas while adding a cheesy twist that takes it over the top. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting yet exciting, ideal for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a dinner party. Once you try this, Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken will become a fast favorite in your recipe lineup!

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the fragrant spices to the crisp bell peppers and rich cheese that pulls everything together.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces, about 1.5 pounds): The lean protein base that soaks up the spices and stays juicy when baked.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasoning blend coat the chicken and adds a subtle fruity richness.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and that classic fajita kick to the dish.
Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, slightly nutty undertone that complements the chili powder perfectly.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the other spices.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory depth of the marinade.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle smoky note reminiscent of traditional fajitas grilled over fire.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle spice and balances the seasoning.
Red bell pepper (1 piece, sliced): Adds sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast.
Green bell pepper (1 piece, sliced): Gives freshness and a touch of bitterness to balance the cheese.
Yellow onion (1 piece, sliced): Adds sweetness and softness once baked.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The star of the cheesy topping, melting into gooey perfection.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Creates a creamy layer that keeps the chicken moist and pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Fresh cilantro (to taste, optional): A bright, herbal garnish that lifts the entire dish with freshness.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Marinade

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to roast your chicken to juicy perfection. Next, whisk together your olive oil and all the spices — chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper — in a mixing bowl. This marinade is bursting with southwestern flavors that will infuse every bite of chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in the marinade, making sure each piece is well covered so every inch gets a flavor boost. Letting it sit for about 10 minutes allows the spices to really sink in, making the chicken tender and flavorful once baked.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, slice your red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. These vegetables not only add vibrant color but also provide a naturally sweet and crunchy bed for the chicken to bake on, soaking up delicious juices during cooking.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken and Veggies in Baking Dish

Spread the sliced onions and bell peppers evenly in your baking dish. This colorful layer will caramelize slightly in the oven, enhancing that classic fajita taste. Place the marinated chicken breasts on top, ensuring they sit nicely over the veggies, ready to absorb all those juicy flavors while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes to start. This step cooks the chicken through and softens the vegetables, setting the stage for the cheesy topping to come.

Step 6: Add Sour Cream and Cheese

Remove the dish carefully from the oven and spread the sour cream evenly over the chicken. This creamy layer keeps the meat moist and blends beautifully with the spices underneath. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top—it’s the moment that brings that irresistible, gooey texture everyone loves.

Step 7: Final Bake for Cheese Melting and Finish Cooking

Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to reach the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and turns the cheese into a golden, bubbly crown that pairs perfectly with the spices and tender chicken beneath.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Once baked, let your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like a hint of herbaceous brightness to cut through the richness.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish here, adding pops of green and a fresh herbal note that elevates each bite. You can also add a squeeze of lime or slices of avocado to bring in some vibrant, refreshing flavors that contrast beautifully with the cheesy, spiced chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious juices or warm flour tortillas for a quick fajita-style wrap. A crisp side salad or black beans also add a nice balance of texture and nutrients to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can transform your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken into a festive platter by serving the chicken sliced over a bed of the roasted veggies, topped with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese right before serving for freshness. Place it on colorful serving dishes or individual plates garnished with herbs and lime wedges to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, so leftovers can sometimes taste even better!

Freezing

If you want to save time, you can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies without the cheese topping. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh cheese.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve juiciness and melt the cheese freshly. Microwaving works too, but the cheese won’t be quite as melty and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend all work wonderfully and melt beautifully over the chicken, giving you options to tweak the cheesiness to your liking.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken has a mild to medium spice level from the chili powder and smoked paprika. If you prefer it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the veggies before baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your spices and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. It’s a great choice for a flavorful, gluten-free dinner option.

How long does the chicken need to marinate?

While 10 minutes is enough to infuse flavor, you can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in the fridge if you want an even deeper taste.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor but may need a few more minutes in the oven to reach the proper internal temperature.

Final Thoughts

Cooking up this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is like inviting a fiesta right into your kitchen, with its blend of spices, melty cheese, and colorful veggies all coming together to please your taste buds. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve to guests. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious this recipe is!

Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and easy Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken recipe featuring marinated chicken breasts baked over sautéed bell peppers and onions, topped with melted cheddar cheese and creamy sour cream. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken and vegetables.
Make Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to form a flavorful marinade.
Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb all the spices.
Slice Vegetables: While chicken marinates, slice the red and green bell peppers and the yellow onion into thin strips for even cooking.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the sliced onions and bell peppers evenly across the base of a baking dish to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on top of the vegetable layer in the baking dish.
Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken and vegetables in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to begin cooking the chicken through.
Add Toppings: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly spread sour cream over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
Finish Baking: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Rest and Garnish: Take the dish out of the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Serve: Serve the cheesy baked fajita chicken hot alongside rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Use fresh cilantro for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
For a low-fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables and cheese (approx. 375g)
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken, baked chicken fajitas, chicken breast recipe, Mexican chicken, easy dinner, weeknight chicken, baked fajita chicken