This Fajita Stuffed Chicken is the perfect combination of juicy chicken breasts, zesty fajita seasoning, and sautéed bell peppers and onions. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that can easily be made any night of the week. With its bold flavors and the melty, cheesy stuffing, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a complete meal packed into one chicken breast! The fajita seasoning blend gives the chicken a spicy and smoky kick, while the sautéed bell peppers and onions add a sweet and savory crunch. Stuffing the chicken with melted cheese just makes everything come together in a flavorful, juicy bite. Plus, it’s easy to make and quick enough for a weeknight dinner, with minimal prep time involved!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
Rub the seasoning mixture onto the outside of the chicken breasts. Stuff each chicken breast with the sautéed peppers and onions, then sprinkle a little shredded cheese into each pocket.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Vegetarian Option: You can replace the chicken with large portobello mushrooms or a hearty vegetable like zucchini for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add more cheese: If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to add extra cheese to the stuffing or sprinkle more on top before baking.
Spicy Version: If I want to kick up the heat, I add a few slices of jalapeño or some hot sauce to the stuffing mix.
Different meats: Try using turkey breasts or even chicken thighs for a different flavor and texture.
Storage/reheating
Storage: Store leftover fajita stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I recommend placing the stuffed chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will keep the chicken juicier.
Related Recipes:
- Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
- Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)
- Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Brown Rice
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
If I use frozen chicken breasts, I make sure to thaw them first. Frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking, so thawing is important for the best results.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, if I prefer a different cheese, I can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I can prepare the chicken, stuff it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It makes for a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
What sides pair well with fajita stuffed chicken?
I like pairing this with a simple salad, Spanish rice, or even roasted veggies to round out the meal. A side of guacamole and salsa also adds a nice touch!
Conclusion
Fajita Stuffed Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines bold flavors and tender chicken in one simple package. It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week and is customizable to suit my tastes. Whether I add extra cheese, try a spicy version, or switch up the veggies, it’s always a hit!
📖 Recipe:
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Fajita Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Fajita Stuffed Chicken recipe is a flavorful and juicy dish that combines tender chicken breasts, zesty fajita seasoning, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make meal offers bold flavors and the option for customization, whether you want to add more cheese, spice things up with jalapeños, or even switch out the chicken for a vegetarian option.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the outside of the chicken, then stuff with sautéed peppers and onions and a little shredded cheese.
- Place stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie version.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeño slices or hot sauce for extra heat.
Different Meats: Swap chicken breasts for turkey or chicken thighs for a new flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
