Go Back
Hasselback Fajita Chicken

Hasselback Fajita Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Hasselback Fajita Chicken is not just beautifully presented but also packed with flavor! Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with vibrant bell peppers and topped with melted cheese, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. You won't want to miss this delicious dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz chicken breasts
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
  • Cilantro (optional for serving)
  • Sour Cream (optional for serving)
  • Guacamole (optional for serving)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 lime zest from 1 lime
  • 2 teaspoons honey EACH
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder EACH
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin EACH
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika EACH
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder EACH
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder EACH
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups cooked rice (any kind, including cauliflower)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz corn drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz fire roasted tomatoes drained (optional if not using chunky salsa)
  • 14 oz chopped green chiles mild
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt EACH
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper EACH

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Whisk
  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Make 5-6 slits/pockets in each chicken breast ¾ of the way through, about 1 inch apart; set aside. DO NOT cut through – keep the base of the chicken breasts intact.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the Chicken Lime Rub ingredients together. Pour the rub over the chicken in a small dish (I use an 8×8 baking dish). Turn the chicken a few times so it’s evenly coated. Let the chicken rest while you prep the veggies and rice (preferable 30-60 minutes at room temperature) or refrigerate up to 8 hours then bring to room temperature before cooking.
  3. Meanwhile: Optional: Add all of the Rice and Beans ingredients to a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Stir to combine then spread into an even layer.
  4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Slice bell peppers and red onion into very thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick. Stuff each slit with one slice of red onion and one red, green and yellow bell pepper. Line chicken overtop the rice mixture or in a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish if not using rice.
  5. Bake (uncovered) at 400 degrees F for 30-35 minutes, until chicken is mostly cooked through. Add the cheese on top of the chicken and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes OR until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through (reaches 160 degrees F on an instant read thermometer). Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, you may even need to cook an additional 15-20 minutes. I recommend using a digital instant read thermometer to know exactly when the chicken is done.
  6. Serve chicken with optional garnishes such as guacamole, sour cream, cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

Completely assemble: according to recipe directions but don’t add the cheese. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. You don’t want to refrigerate longer because the lime juice can eat away at the chicken and make it mushy.
When ready to bake: let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake according to recipe directions, adding an additional 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Storage: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dish because the bell peppers become a soggy, unpleasant texture once thawed.
Reheating leftovers: Reheat in the microwave for 90 seconds then for 20 second intervals or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through or bake at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.