If you’re on the hunt for a simple, flavorful dinner that feels like a fiesta on your plate, this Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this turns out—tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and melty cheese all baked together with bold seasoning. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to weeknight meal because it’s fuss-free, packed with flavor, and everyone at the table asks for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything bakes together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze and your weeknight stress-free.
- Bold, Authentic Flavors: The fajita seasoning combined with fresh peppers creates that classic Tex-Mex taste you crave.
- Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: You control the spice level and can add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Healthy & Satisfying: High in protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this baked chicken fajitas recipe come together effortlessly, and you’ll find that quality bell peppers and a good fajita seasoning really set this apart. I always suggest fresh veggies and a seasoning blend that you love or even homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They bake evenly and stay juicy if you slice or pound them uniformly.
- Taco or fajita seasoning: Pick a flavorful jar or blend your own with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Freshness makes a difference here!
- Sweet bell peppers: Use any colors you like for a rainbow effect and sweetness that balances the spice.
- Yellow onion: Slices add that classic fajita aroma and a bit of caramelized sweetness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for creaminess and tangy flavor.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds a bright contrast that I love in Mexican dishes.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this baked chicken fajitas recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste—or even dietary needs. Sometimes I swap in poblano peppers for a smoky kick, or experiment with different cheeses. You’ll find there’s plenty of room for creativity!
- Spicy Kick: I’ve added jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning for a bit more heat when my family’s feeling bold.
- Dairy-Free: Simply omit the cheese or swap in a plant-based alternative; it still bakes up beautifully without it.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of tortillas or white rice for a lighter option.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Double the batch to enjoy leftovers all week long—see below for my storage tips!
How to Make Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. Lay the chicken breasts flat in a baking dish in a single layer without overlapping—this helps them cook evenly. Sprinkle the taco or fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken. I discovered this trick helps infuse flavor right into the meat before adding the veggies.
Step 2: Add the Peppers, Onions, and Cheese
Mix your sliced bell peppers and onions in a bowl, then spread them out evenly over the seasoned chicken. Top everything with shredded sharp cheddar cheese—this melts into a rich, golden layer that pulls the whole dish together. I love how the cheese keeps the peppers and chicken super juicy while baking.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Place the baking dish on the middle rack and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. It’s crucial to check this so the chicken stays juicy yet fully cooked. When done, the peppers will be tender and the cheese golden and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if you like that fresh burst of flavor. I love serving this hot over rice, tortilla wraps, or even a bed of greens for a lighter twist. My family goes crazy for adding guacamole and sour cream on the side too!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Even Slicing: Slice the chicken breasts to similar thickness to ensure they cook evenly without drying out.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I always check internal temp to avoid guesswork and get perfectly juicy chicken every time.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: It locks in moisture and adds creaminess—feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variety.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after baking so juices redistribute and everything sets perfectly.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my baked chicken fajitas with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even diced avocado. Sour cream or a dollop of guacamole also adds a creamy dimension that balances the spices. It’s those little touches that make your dinner feel restaurant-quality at home.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with cilantro lime rice, black beans, or a crisp side salad for freshness. On busy nights, I often serve it with warm tortillas and salsa so everyone builds their own fajitas, making mealtime fun and interactive!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange the chicken and veggies on a colorful platter with bowls of all the toppings—chopped onions, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and sauces—so guests can customize their plates. It turns dinner into a lively gathering where everyone digs in and shares stories.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes my second-day baked chicken fajitas taste even better. Just keep the cilantro separate until ready to serve to maintain its fresh color.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, which was a game-changer for meal prep. I portion it into freezer-safe containers without the fresh toppings and cheese (add those fresh when reheating). It thaws quickly overnight in the fridge and reheats well for a quick dinner on busy nights.
Reheating
I like to reheat leftovers in the oven at 350˚F for 15-20 minutes to keep that baked texture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave for convenience, but I recommend adding a splash of water and covering loosely to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this baked chicken fajitas recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you want extra juiciness and richer flavor. Just keep in mind they might need a couple of extra minutes to cook through. Use boneless, skinless thighs and check for an internal temperature of 165˚F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
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What can I serve with baked chicken fajitas for a low-carb meal?
For a low-carb option, swap traditional rice or tortillas for cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh greens. You can also use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas to keep carbs minimal while still enjoying all the flavors.
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How do I store leftovers to keep them fresh?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Adding fresh cilantro or other garnish right before serving helps keep the flavors bright. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and safety.
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Can this baked chicken fajitas recipe be meal prepped in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken, veggies, and seasoning in the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake fresh day-of to keep peppers crisp and chicken juicy. Alternatively, cook ahead and reheat portions throughout the week for easy meals.
Final Thoughts
This baked chicken fajitas recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s effortless, comforting, and always hits the spot. I love how it comes together in one dish with minimal prep yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and I promise you’ll love having this as a reliable crowd-pleaser in your recipe box!
Print
Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A quick and easy baked chicken fajitas recipe featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts baked with sweet bell peppers, onions, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal served over rice, cauliflower rice, greens, or wrapped in tortillas.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
- 1 tbsp taco or fajita seasoning
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 sweet bell peppers, sliced (any combination of green, red, orange, yellow)
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion, sliced
Cheese & Garnish
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking.
- Prepare the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts flat in a baking dish, ensuring they are spaced so they aren’t touching each other. Evenly sprinkle the taco or fajita seasoning over the chicken to coat it well.
- Add the vegetables and cheese: Mix the sliced bell peppers and onions together, then spread them evenly over the top of the seasoned chicken breasts. Next, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly across the peppers and onions.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165˚F (74˚C).
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish with chopped cilantro, if using. Serve hot over cooked rice, cauliflower rice, leafy greens, or wrapped in tortillas for a delicious fajita meal.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your easy and flavorful baked chicken fajitas!
Notes
- This recipe is a quick, easy, and healthy option for baked chicken fajitas.
- Use any combination of bell peppers you prefer for color and flavor variation.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.
- Optional garnish with cilantro adds a fresh, bright flavor.
- Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or tortillas as per your dietary preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz chicken plus toppings
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg