Craving a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor? Look no further than this game-changing Easy Chicken Fajita Bake! Imagine transforming simple ingredients into a sizzling, cheesy masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty fajita seasoning, all topped with melted cheese – creating a dinner solution that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Slice chicken breasts into thin, even strips approximately 1/2 inch wide. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure good seasoning adherence and better browning.
- Prepare the vegetables by slicing bell pepper and onion into uniform strips. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced chicken, bell pepper, and onion. Sprinkle the entire packet of fajita seasoning over the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste, then toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer to promote even cooking and maximum flavor development.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or warm tortillas on the side.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and flavor absorption.
- Slice all ingredients uniformly to guarantee even cooking throughout the dish.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating chicken in fajita seasoning for 30 minutes before baking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish – spread ingredients in a single layer for optimal caramelization.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for added excitement.
- Serve with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, or cilantro-lime rice to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 105mg
