Go Back
To make Baked Fajita Chicken, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow onion, sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lime, juiced These ingredients create a tasty base for your dish. The chicken provides protein while the peppers and onion add color and crunch. The flavors come alive with spices and marinade. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix these spices with the olive oil and lime juice. This marinade gives the chicken a zesty kick. Letting the chicken soak in this mix makes it even tastier. Baked Fajita Chicken is great on its own, but you can enhance it. Here are some fun ideas for serving: - Warm tortillas - Sliced avocado - Sour cream - Fresh cilantro for garnish These extras add creaminess and freshness. Feel free to swap or add more toppings based on your taste. Enjoy your meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I mix the marinade in a large bowl. I use 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of 1 lime. Then, I add 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Next, I sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. I whisk everything together until it forms a smooth mix. This marinade gives the chicken a bright and spicy flavor. Now, I take the 4 chicken breasts and place them in the marinade. It’s important to coat each piece well. I cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. If I want more flavor, I let it marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better it tastes! I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). After marinating, I lay the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I slice 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 yellow onion, and arrange them around the chicken. I bake everything for about 25 to 30 minutes. I know it's done when the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside and the veggies are tender. When it’s ready, I take it out and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. After that, I slice the chicken and serve it all in warm tortillas. It’s a simple, tasty meal! To get juicy chicken, start with even-sized breasts. They cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside. Aim for 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest after baking for 5 minutes. This helps keep it tender and moist. If you want extra flavor, marinate for longer. A few hours makes a big difference. Bell peppers and onions are classic choices. They add sweetness and crunch. Use any color of bell pepper you like. Green adds a slight bitterness, while red is sweeter. You can also try zucchini or mushrooms for more variety. Make sure to slice them thin. This helps them cook well and blend with the chicken. Want to amp up the flavor? Add more spices! Try cayenne for heat or oregano for earthiness. You can swap lime juice with lemon juice for a different taste. If you have fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, toss them in before serving. They brighten up the dish and add freshness. Don't forget to adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly. Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh bell peppers and onions not only add vibrant color but also enhance the taste. Choose firm, brightly colored vegetables for the best results. Check Chicken Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey breasts. They work well and taste great. You can also use shrimp. Just bake for a shorter time. Fish, like tilapia, is another tasty choice. Always adjust cooking time based on the protein you choose. For a meatless option, use firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then cube it. Marinate just like the chicken. You can also use tempeh, which has a great texture. Another fun choice is portobello mushrooms. Slice them thick and enjoy their earthy flavor. Feel free to play with spices. Add cayenne pepper for heat. If you like smokiness, swap paprika for smoked paprika. You can also try fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. These add a new layer of flavor. For a tangy twist, mix in some salsa or diced tomatoes. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Ensure the veggies are also stored in the same container. This keeps the flavors together. If you want to keep them separate, use two containers. You can freeze baked fajita chicken too! After cooling, cut the chicken into slices. Place the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. Label the bag with the date so you remember when you froze it. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat on medium power in one-minute bursts until warm. Always check the chicken's internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) before eating. You should bake the chicken for about 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This keeps the chicken juicy and safe to eat. The veggies should also be tender. If you cut the chicken too soon, it may lose its juices. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you need to thaw it first. It is best to marinate fresh chicken for more flavor. If you use frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the same steps for marinating and baking. Serve Baked Fajita Chicken with warm tortillas. You can add toppings like avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. You might also serve it with rice and beans for a complete meal. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice crunch. Consider adding some chips and salsa for extra fun! This blog post covered how to make tasty baked fajita chicken. We discussed main ingredients, spices, and ways to enhance flavors. I gave step-by-step instructions to prepare, marinate, and bake the dish. You learned tips for perfect cooking and alternative options. I also shared storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. In the end, baked fajita chicken is simple, fun, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Zesty Baked Fajita Chicken

A flavorful baked chicken dish with vibrant bell peppers and onions, perfect for serving in tortillas.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 piece lime, juiced
  • to taste none Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • optional none Tortillas, avocado, and sour cream (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onions around the chicken on the baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing the chicken.
  • Serve the sliced chicken and roasted vegetables in warm tortillas, and top with fresh cilantro, avocado, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for enhanced flavor.
Keyword baked, chicken, fajitas, healthy