Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4-5 thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/3 cup salsa
- 1/2 (1 oz) packet of fajita seasoning
- 2 large bell peppers, sliced
- 1-2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Place the chicken breasts evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them completely.
- Arrange the sliced bell peppers on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bell peppers and cream cheese mixture, covering the dish evenly.
- If you’re using large, thick chicken breasts, consider adding the shredded cheese halfway through the cooking time to prevent it from burning.
- Bake the dish uncovered in the center rack of the preheated oven for 20-45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the cheesy baked fajita chicken alone or with your choice of sides such as Spanish rice, cauliflower rice, or tortillas.
Enjoy your delicious and cheesy baked fajita chicken!
Most Popular Questions about Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken:
- Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins like beef or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
- What type of salsa works best for this recipe?
- Any type of salsa can work, depending on your preference. You can use mild, medium, or hot salsa, or even salsa verde for a different flavor profile.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as cold ingredients may take longer to cook.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add additional spices or hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture, or use a spicier variety of salsa.
- What can I serve with cheesy baked fajita chicken?
- This dish pairs well with various sides such as Spanish rice, cauliflower rice, tortillas, or a simple salad. Choose your favorite accompaniments to complete the meal.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free fajita seasoning, salsa, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check product labels to confirm gluten-free status.
- Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
- If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute or a combination of plain Greek yogurt and shredded cheese.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes to suit your taste preferences.
- How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure not to overcook it. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove the dish from the oven as soon as the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cover the dish with foil halfway through baking to retain moisture.