Cheesy Fajita Chicken Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the fajita seasoning.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Season with the remaining fajita seasoning and remove from heat.

4. Sear the Chicken:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through as it will finish cooking in the oven.

5. Assemble the Dish:

• Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish.
• Top the chicken with the sautéed bell peppers and onions.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes.
• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges.

8. Enjoy:

• Serve the cheesy fajita chicken with your favorite sides such as rice, tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, or a simple green salad.

Tips and Variations

• Protein Options: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or try this recipe with shrimp or beef strips.
• Cheese Variations: Use your favorite melting cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the fajita seasoning or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Enjoy your cheesy fajita chicken as a delicious, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!