Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Fiesta in a Dish
Craving creamy baked fajita chicken baked This easy Mexican chicken recipe is a fiesta in a dish Creamy cheesy and ready in 45 its a guaranteed hit ... Healthy Eats
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy something both creamy and full of flavor? Ever get a craving for Mexican but want something a bit different? This creamy baked fajita chicken bake is your answer! Its savory, cheesy goodness will have you hooked.
Brief Overview
Fajitas are a Tex-Mex staple, a cultural melting pot on a plate. This baked fajita chicken recipe simplifies things. It's an easy Mexican chicken recipe , ready in under an hour.
This recipe yields four hearty servings.
Main Benefits
This dish offers a protein punch from the chicken. The vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins and fiber. It's perfect for a midweek family dinner or a casual weekend gathering.
Honestly, the best part is how simple and satisfying it is – no complicated techniques here, just pure deliciousness and so easy to bake this chicken fajita bake !
Let's dive into the list of simple and easy-to-find ingredients needed to re-create this wonderful recipe!
Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Fiesta in a Dish Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Let's Talk Ingredients
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. For this creamy fajita chicken bake , you'll need chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onions.
Of course, you need your creamy sauce ingredients. We will also use cheese, but we’ll talk about that later. Don’t panic about the list; it’s all pretty straightforward.
You will require about 4 chicken breasts (6oz each) so that it is enough for everyone. For the veggies, we will want to dice them into smaller pieces so that it cooks evenly and it is easy to eat.
Now let's move to the list of ingredients that will give you the most cheesy flavor, cheesy baked fajita chicken .
Let's not forget the sour cream, the garlic and the cheese to add that creamy taste.
What You'll Need to Get Started
You'll need a 9x13 inch baking dish . This is perfect for the chicken fajita casserole . You'll also need a mixing bowl for the sauce, your basic utensils, and chopping board.
Let's be honest, if you cook regularly, you likely have the items needed for this baked chicken fajita casserole .
This recipe makes for a really easy cleanup. It becomes one pan fajita chicken bake if you just pop everything in the baking dish.
What's even better is that this will save time and effort!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!
Alright, let's talk grub! This creamy baked fajita chicken recipe is super simple. It's the easy Mexican chicken recipes we all crave.
No crazy ingredients here. Just deliciousness. It's basically a baked fajita chicken recipe that's also a total hug in a dish.
Who doesn't love that?
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Here’s what you need to make this magic happen.
- Chicken & Veggies:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each). The chicken should feel firm, not slimy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
- 1 packet (about 1 oz / 28g ) fajita seasoning (or homemade. Honestly, homemade is better!).
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Creamy Sauce & Topping:
- 1 cup sour cream ( 240 ml ) or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option. Greek yogurt tastes great).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese ( 115 g ) or cheddar & Monterey Jack mix, divided
- Garnish (Optional): Fresh cilantro, chopped, Lime wedges
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Fajita seasoning is key for that fajita taste, but, you know? It´s up to you. Garlic is a must! A good mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika is great.
For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper! Don´t be scared to be spicy!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You really don't need much. A 9x13 inch / 23x33 cm baking dish is essential. A bowl for mixing the sauce.
A knife, cutting board, and your measuring bits. Easy peasy. If you don't have a baking dish, a large oven-safe skillet will do.
Honestly, the one pan fajita chicken bake is all about simplicity. I've even used a disposable foil pan in a pinch – don't tell anyone!
And that's it! This cheesy baked fajita chicken is about to be your new go-to. Get those ingredients ready! Are you in for the best creamy chicken fajitas , aka a fab fajita chicken casserole or a baked chicken fajita casserole ? It's so much more flavorful than sour cream chicken fajitas you ever taste.
You've got this!
Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Baked: Your New Weeknight Hero!
Honestly, who doesn't love Mexican food? But sometimes, the whole sizzling skillet thing feels like a bit much. That's where this creamy baked fajita chicken baked comes in.
It’s like all the best parts of fajitas – tender chicken, peppers, and onions – all snuggled in a creamy, cheesy blanket.
Talk about comfort food! This is my go to recipe for when i need a one pan fajita chicken bake.
It's super easy – even if your cooking skills are, shall we say, developing. We're talking prep time of just 15 minutes and cook time of 30 minutes .
Boom! Dinner is served. Even your picky eaters will be begging for more of this cheesy baked fajita chicken.
You'll never need to order take out again!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, get organized. Chop your 1 red bell pepper , 1 green bell pepper , 1 yellow bell pepper , and 1 medium onion into thin slices.
This mise en place thing? It's legit. Having everything ready to go makes the whole process smooth sailing. Pat your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry.
This is super important. Dry chicken browns better. Don't skip this step! Then grab your 1 tablespoon of olive oil , 1 packet of fajita seasoning , 1 cup of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) , 2 minced garlic cloves , and 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese .
Step-by-Step Fiesta: Let's Get Cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Seriously, don't forget this.
- Rub those chicken breasts with olive oil and generously season with that fajita seasoning and salt and pepper.
- Spread your sliced peppers and onions in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish .
- Nestle those seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the veggies.
- In a bowl, mix together your sour cream (or yogurt), minced garlic, and half of your shredded cheese.
- Spread this creamy goodness all over the chicken. Don't be shy!
- Bake uncovered for 25- 30 minutes , or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . This is critical! A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes , or until it's all melty and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Glory
- Don't overcrowd the pan. If you do, the veggies will steam instead of roast. Nobody wants soggy fajitas.
- Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Customize the cheese! Pepper jack gives it a nice little zing.
This creamy fajita chicken bake is the perfect weeknight meal. Easy, delicious, and minimal cleanup. What's not to love? Plus, you can totally use this as a baked fajita chicken recipe base and get creative with your toppings! I've made this recipe with easy Mexican chicken recipes for years.
For years, I’ve tweaked my chicken fajita bake until it became this simple masterpiece. It really is the perfect creamy chicken fajitas.
Recipe Notes
Serving Up Deliciousness: What to Serve with Your Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken
Okay, so you've just pulled this glorious creamy baked fajita chicken bake out of the oven. What now? First, give yourself a pat on the back! This easy Mexican chicken recipes are gonna be a hit.
For a true fiesta, warm tortillas are a must. Imagine piling that creamy chicken fajitas onto a soft tortilla. Then add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Rice and beans on the side complete the meal.
Guacamole and pico de gallo? Yes, please! They bring freshness and extra flavour. And for the grown-ups, a margarita or a cold beer hits the spot. Just remember to drink responsibly!
Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Fajita Chicken Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This cheesy baked fajita chicken tastes amazing the next day too.
Pop it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. An airtight container is best. It'll keep for 3-4 days .
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Once cooled, portion out the baked fajita chicken recipe into freezer-safe bags or containers.
It will last up to 3 months . When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake or microwave until heated through.
Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Tweaking the Recipe: Variations on a Theme
Want to mix things up? I get it! This fajita chicken casserole can be adapted.
For a low-carb version, swap out the tortillas for cauliflower rice. It’s surprisingly satisfying! Or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
You won’t even notice the difference. For a seasonal twist, try adding roasted sweet potatoes in the autumn. They add a lovely sweetness.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
This one pan fajita chicken bake isn’t just tasty. It's also packed with protein. Each serving has about 45 grams of protein.
The peppers and onions add vitamins and fiber. Remember, nutrition info is just an estimate. It can vary a bit based on the ingredients you use.
So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make this sour cream chicken fajitas a total success.
Go on, give it a go, and have some fun!. This baked chicken fajita casserole is super easy to cook!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep the creamy baked fajita chicken baked ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish – veggies, chicken, and creamy sauce – a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through properly. Think of it as your secret weapon for a stress-free dinner party, like having Mary Berry herself doing the prep!
What's the best way to store leftover creamy baked fajita chicken?
Store any leftover Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or oven. For the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch or transformed into fajita bowls the next day!
Is there a lighter or healthier version of this creamy baked fajita chicken recipe?
Definitely! To lighten it up, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt – you'll get the same creamy texture with less fat. You can also use a reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend. For extra veggies, add some zucchini or mushrooms to the mix. Serving with cauliflower rice or a big salad instead of tortillas is another simple way to reduce the carbs. It's all about balance, innit?
Can I make creamy baked fajita chicken in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is optimized for the oven, you could adapt it for a slow cooker. Layer the veggies on the bottom, then the chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Keep in mind that the chicken may not brown as nicely as in the oven.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
This Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken is quite versatile! Classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo are always a hit. If you're looking for something lighter, try a fresh corn and black bean salad, or grilled corn on the cob. And don't forget the warm tortillas for scooping up all that deliciousness!
My creamy baked fajita chicken is watery - what did I do wrong?
Watery fajita chicken is often due to excess moisture from the vegetables or the chicken itself. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and arrange the vegetables in a single layer to encourage roasting rather than steaming. Also, consider using full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, as lower-fat versions tend to release more liquid during cooking. If your vegetables are particularly juicy, you can even saute them lightly before baking to reduce their water content.
