Description
Savor zesty cheesy baked fajita chicken that delivers a fiesta of Mexican-inspired flavors in one spectacular dish. Peppers, onions, and juicy chicken meld together with melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4–5 chicken breasts, thinly sliced (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)
Dairy Components:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 large bell peppers, sliced (mixed colors)
- 1/3 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1/2 packet fajita seasoning (about 1 ounce / 28 grams)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray or oil.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a uniform, single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Create a creamy flavor base by blending softened cream cheese with salsa and fajita seasoning in a mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
- Distribute the cream cheese mixture carefully and evenly over the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface with a uniform layer.
- Strategically place sliced bell peppers across the top of the cream cheese-covered chicken, creating a colorful vegetable layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the peppers, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and melting potential.
- Position the baking dish on the center oven rack and cook uncovered for 20-45 minutes, monitoring the chicken’s internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Watch for visual cues of doneness, including melted, bubbly cheese and fully cooked chicken.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and temperatures to equalize.
- Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve independently or pair with Spanish rice, cauliflower rice, or warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Choose a salsa with robust flavors that complement the fajita seasoning for maximum taste depth.
- Sprinkle cheese in layers or midway through baking to achieve perfect golden-brown, bubbling coverage without burning.
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce fat, use dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant diets, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 211
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg