Name: Fajita Chicken Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces thin-sliced chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total); to taste Salt; to taste black pepper; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup salsa; 1 oz dry fajita seasoning mix; 1 green bell pepper (seeded and sliced); 1 red bell pepper (seeded and sliced); 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like Fajita Chicken Bake. Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Yet, you crave a meal that feels special, something to satisfy both your family and your taste buds. That’s when this recipe comes to the rescue! With its vibrant flavors and delightful texture, the Fajita Chicken Bake becomes not just a meal, but an experience that brings everyone together. This dish is one of those wonderful creations that make you feel like you’re indulging, while knowing you’ve actually prepared something quite wholesome. It’s a perfect choice for those cozy family dinners or even a simple gathering with friends. Each bite is a burst of flavor, from the tender chicken to the creamy cheese, making it hard to resist going back for seconds!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
460 kcal

Protein:
42 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
30 g

Tools Used:
9 x 13 Baking Dish

The Best Thing About This Fajita Chicken Bake

It’s Incredibly Easy to Make

One of the best things about the Fajita Chicken Bake is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to make this dish shine. The steps are straightforward and quick, making it perfect for anyone, even those who might feel intimidated by cooking.

Flavors That Pop

This bake brings together some fantastic flavors! The combination of cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning creates a rich, creamy topping that pairs beautifully with the juicy, seasoned chicken. The addition of fresh bell peppers adds a nice crunch and color, giving the dish a vibrant look.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Another reason I love this recipe is that it’s fantastic for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. This flexibility makes the Fajita Chicken Bake ideal for busy weeks.

Family-Friendly

Kids often love the flavors of fajitas, and this bake is no exception. The cheesy goodness combined with the tender chicken makes it a hit with the little ones. It’s a dish that can please even the pickiest eaters in your household!

Great for Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is a strong possibility because it’s so delicious), they make for an amazing next-day meal. You can enjoy it as is or transform it into a wrap or a salad. The options are endless!

Key Ingredients for Fajita Chicken Bake

The ingredients for the Fajita Chicken Bake come together beautifully, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. The core ingredients, like chicken and cream cheese, blend seamlessly, while salsa, fajita seasoning, and colorful bell peppers bring a vibrant flair. Each component plays a vital role in making this dish truly special.

4 thin-sliced chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total): These serve as the foundation of your bake, providing a hearty and delicious protein.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
8 oz cream cheese (softened): This adds a rich, creamy texture that binds the flavors together.
1/2 cup salsa: Offers a zesty kick that complements the seasoning and chicken perfectly.
1 oz dry fajita seasoning mix: A blend of spices that gives the dish that signature fajita flavor.
1 green bell pepper (seeded and sliced): Adds color and crunch, making every bite more enjoyable.
1 red bell pepper (seeded and sliced): Offers a sweet flavor that balances the savory elements of the dish.
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: This melty cheese topping brings everything together and makes it irresistible.

Instructions for Fajita Chicken Bake

Making the Fajita Chicken Bake is a breeze! Follow these steps to create a delightful dish that you and your family will love. Let’s get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 375°F. It’s crucial to have the oven hot enough to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Make sure they fit snugly, as this ensures even cooking.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and black pepper. Seasoning the chicken at this stage will help boost its flavors.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning. Beat them together until smooth, creating a creamy topping that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. It should cover them nicely, ensuring that every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Layer the sliced green and red bell peppers over the top of the chicken. This not only adds color but also a delightful crunch.
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the peppers. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey topping that everyone will love.
Place the dish in the oven uncovered. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If your chicken is thinner, start checking around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Once done, let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the chicken to remain juicy and the cheese topping to set, making for a perfect slice.

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking Time Varies: Be mindful that cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken.
Resting Time is Important: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps keep the chicken juicy.
Layering is Key: Proper layering of the ingredients ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of the Fajita Chicken Bake is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun customization ideas:

Add Different Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
Change the Cheese: Swap out the Colby Jack for cheddar or monterey jack to mix things up.
Top with Avocado: Adding sliced avocado on top after baking can introduce a creamy texture contrast.
Make It a Casserole: Layer the ingredients with some cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty casserole dish.

Accompaniments for Fajita Chicken Bake

Serving the Fajita Chicken Bake can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some wonderful ideas to enhance your meal:

Serve with Rice: A scoop of fluffy white or brown rice pairs beautifully with the flavors of this bake.
Pair with a Side Salad: A fresh green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess of the dish.
Include Tortillas: Warm tortillas are perfect for scooping up the bake or wrapping up any leftovers.
Top with Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro or green onions sprinkled on top can brighten the flavors significantly.
Great for Lunches: This dish is perfect for lunch the next day, whether warm or cold.
Perfect for Gatherings: Serve this dish at family gatherings or potlucks—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

FAQ

While fresh chicken is always best for the Fajita Chicken Bake, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely first. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and make it challenging to gauge when the chicken is done. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before preparing the dish.

There are many great options to serve alongside your Fajita Chicken Bake. You could pair it with a fresh salad, some warm tortillas for scooping, or even a side of seasoned rice. Each of these complements the flavors in the bake and makes for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

If you have any leftovers from your Fajita Chicken Bake, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well if you want to save some for later.

Yes, one of the best features of the Fajita Chicken Bake is that you can prepare it ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, but the flavors will still be fantastic!

Conclusion

The Fajita Chicken Bake stands out as a comforting, flavorful dish that’s simple to make yet deliciously satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try and see how it can become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Fajita Chicken Bake

The ultimate comfort food, Fajita Chicken Bake is an easy weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy salsa mixture and topped with melted cheese and vibrant peppers. Perfect for families and gatherings, you'll find it impossible to resist! Make it tonight for a delicious meal that everyone will love.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 460

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 pieces thin-sliced chicken breasts about 2 lbs total
to taste Salt
to taste black pepper
8 oz cream cheese softened
1/2 cup salsa
1 oz dry fajita seasoning mix
1 green bell pepper seeded and sliced
1 red bell pepper seeded and sliced
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Equipment

9" x 13" baking dish

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F. It’s crucial to have the oven hot enough to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Make sure they fit snugly, as this ensures even cooking.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and black pepper. Seasoning the chicken at this stage will help boost its flavors.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning. Beat them together until smooth, creating a creamy topping that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. It should cover them nicely, ensuring that every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Layer the sliced green and red bell peppers over the top of the chicken. This not only adds color but also a delightful crunch.
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the peppers. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey topping that everyone will love.
Place the dish in the oven uncovered. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If your chicken is thinner, start checking around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Once done, let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the chicken to remain juicy and the cheese topping to set, making for a perfect slice.

Notes

If you don’t buy thin-sliced chicken breasts: you can slice regular chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they’re about ½ inch thick.
Cooking time may vary: slightly depending on thickness.