Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

When you’re craving something flavorful, cheesy, and comforting, Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, zesty fajita seasoning, and melty cheese—what’s not to love? This dish comes together effortlessly and has all the punchy flavors of a fajita, without the hassle of making a whole spread. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to satisfy everyone around the dinner table. Trust me, you’ll want to make this on repeat!

The beauty of this dish is that it feels indulgent and cozy, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner. Grab your baking dish and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, spicy, and absolutely mouthwatering meal!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Flavorful: Packed with the vibrant spices of fajita seasoning, this dish is bursting with zesty, smoky, and savory flavors. Add in melty cheese for that irresistible comfort factor.

Quick and Easy: With only a few simple steps, this dish comes together quickly, even on the busiest of nights. Perfect for when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Family-Friendly: It’s hard to resist anything cheesy, and the fajita flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Customizable: Adjust the heat level with more or less chili powder and paprika. You can also throw in extra veggies like peppers and onions if you want more of that fajita feel.

Ingredients in Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Here’s what you need for this cheesy, flavorful dish:

• Chicken Breasts: The base of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for all the fajita goodness.
• Fajita Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt, which gives this dish that irresistible fajita flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: You can’t go wrong with melty, gooey cheddar on top. It gives the chicken that cheesy, comforting finish.
• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the spices perfectly.
• Lime: A fresh squeeze of lime at the end brightens up the dish and adds a pop of citrus.
• Olive Oil: Used to drizzle over the chicken, helping the spices stick and keeping everything juicy.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that crispy, golden top.

2. Season the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the fajita seasoning generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. You want that flavor to really soak in, so make sure each piece is well-coated.

3. Bake the Chicken

Pop the chicken into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). The chicken should be golden on top and juicy inside.

4. Add the Cheese

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese over each chicken breast. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Finish with Sour Cream and Lime

Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle a bit of sour cream over the chicken and finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for that perfect burst of flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken with your favorite sides like rice, veggies, or even tortillas for a fajita-inspired meal. Garnish with cilantro or extra lime wedges if you like.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 90mg
  Sodium: 380mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 4g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
  Protein: 39g
  Calcium: 15%
  Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken

Pair this Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken with a variety of sides and toppings to make it a complete meal:

Rice: Serve with a side of Spanish rice, cilantro lime rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Tortillas: Warm up some flour or corn tortillas and serve the chicken inside for a fajita-style wrap. You can add salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Veggies: Roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even a simple side of sautéed spinach pair wonderfully with this dish.

Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the cheesy chicken.

Additional Tips

Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can use thighs or drumsticks. Just increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Customize the Spice: If you like it spicy, you can add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Adjust the heat to suit your tastes!

Add Veggies to the Chicken: For a complete meal, feel free to add sliced bell peppers and onions to the baking sheet before baking the chicken. The veggies will roast beautifully in the same pan, soaking up all the fajita seasoning.

Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep! Bake the chicken, slice it, and store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over a bed of leafy greens or cauliflower rice to make it a low-carb meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A1: Yes, you can use chicken thighs! Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prep the chicken and season it a day ahead. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat. The cheese can be added towards the end of cooking.

Q3: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A3: Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q4: How do I make this spicier?

A4: Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A5: Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses will work beautifully in this recipe.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A6: Yes! Bell peppers, onions, and even zucchini make great additions. Add them to the baking sheet with the chicken for extra flavor.

Q7: Can I make this dish without sour cream?

A7: Yes, you can skip the sour cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Q8: How do I make the chicken juicy?

A8: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F will help ensure it stays juicy.

Q9: Can I use a different protein?

A9: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with pork chops, turkey, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Q10: How can I add more flavor to the crust?

A10: You can sprinkle the chicken with some extra seasoning, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a squeeze of lime juice just before baking.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is everything you could want in a comfort meal—packed with bold fajita flavors, topped with gooey melted cheese, and so easy to make. Whether you’re in the mood for something cheesy, zesty, or just plain comforting, this dish will hit the spot every time. So, gather the ingredients, bake up this tasty dish, and let the flavors take over. Enjoy!

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