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Square image of cheesy chicken fajita bake with melted cheese and bell peppers

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake

Elle
This cheesy chicken fajita bake is a bold, oven-baked Tex-Mex dinner packed with tender chicken, sizzling peppers, and layers of melted cheese. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This one-pan meal combines fajita seasoning and creamy textures in a baked casserole that everyone will crave.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 medium onion sliced thin
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro optional garnish
  • 1 cup cooked white rice optional base
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed optional add-on

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish
  • In a large bowl, combine chicken strips with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper
  • Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in the baking dish
  • Top with sliced bell peppers and onions, spreading them evenly over the chicken
  • Dollop softened cream cheese across the top or mix it into the chicken and vegetables
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the entire surface
  • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly
  • Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese topping
  • Let the cheesy chicken fajita bake rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving

Notes

  • You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness
  • Add cooked white rice or black beans to the bottom for a one-pan meal variation
  • Use dairy-free cheese and omit cream cheese for a lighter, dairy-free version
  • Mix fajita seasoning into the cream cheese for extra flavor in every bite
  • This dish reheats well and can be frozen before baking for meal prep convenience
Keyword baked fajita chicken recipe, cheesy chicken fajita bake, chicken and cheese bake, chicken fajita bake with cheese, fajita chicken dinner, oven baked chicken fajitas, Tex-Mex chicken casserole