If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful, and family-friendly dinners, you’re going to love this cheesy baked fajita chicken. It’s a satisfying twist on classic fajitas—less mess, no skillet, and loaded with creamy, melted cheese.
Table of Contents
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a Tex-Mex masterpiece that’s perfect for busy weeknights. In under an hour, you can have tender baked chicken smothered in fajita-seasoned cream cheese, topped with bell peppers and a bubbling layer of cheddar. Be sure to follow proper safe internal temperature for chicken to get that juicy texture just right.
One of the key features that sets this dish apart is the cheesy fajita sauce. Made with cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning, it forms a luscious, flavorful layer over the chicken. If you’re out of fajita mix, here’s how to make your own fajita seasoning at home.
As for the cheese? We love cheddar! It’s rich, melty, and pairs perfectly with Tex-Mex spices. Check out these cheddar cheese nutrition facts to learn why it’s a great addition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring your cheesy baked fajita chicken to life:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed of fat)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup chunky salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 2 bell peppers, diced (red and green work great)
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: sliced red onion, jalapeños, or black beans for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Lightly spray a 9×13” baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Lay the chicken breasts evenly in the dish.
2. Make the Cheesy Fajita Sauce
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning.
- Stir until smooth and spreadable.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken.
- Add bell peppers on top.
- Finish with a layer of shredded cheddar.
4. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
What to Serve With Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
Looking to round out your meal? Here are some perfect pairings:
- Mexican rice or cauliflower rice
- Refried beans
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- Lime-cilantro salad
- Soft flour tortillas for wrapping
You might also enjoy crispy Mexican chicken fries as a bold, crunchy side.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~442 kcal
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 31g (17g saturated)
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
To make it low-carb, serve with lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy: Use hot salsa or chipotle peppers
- Low-carb: Swap bell peppers for zucchini
- Different meats: Try shredded rotisserie chicken or even chicken backs for an economical alternative
- More cheese: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Use oven or microwave
Perfect for weekly meal planning and reheating as needed.
Meal Planning Tip
Want more hearty chicken casserole recipes? Try our chicken and dumpling casserole for another easy oven-baked hit.
Pairings: Drinks & Sides
Pair this cheesy dish with:
- Margarita or Mexican beer
- Horchata or agua fresca
- Light citrusy salad
For meat-lovers, check out our beef back ribs as another bold, oven-baked meat dish.
FAQs
What kind of cheese goes on fajitas?
The best cheese for fajitas is one that melts easily and complements bold spices. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend cheese are all great options. For a dish like Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken, sharp cheddar adds richness while Monterey Jack creates that perfectly gooey, bubbly top layer. You can also explore how cheese enhances flavor in chicken and dumpling casserole for more creamy dinner ideas.
How to make fajita bake?
To make a fajita bake, layer seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover them with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, salsa, and fajita seasoning. Add diced bell peppers and shredded cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. This method is similar to how we prep comfort meals like our beef back ribs — easy, flavorful, and oven-ready. A recipe like Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a perfect hands-off Tex-Mex dinner.
How do you cook fajita meat so it’s not tough?
To avoid tough fajita meat, don’t overcook it. Bake or sear it just until it reaches 165°F. In Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken, the sauce helps lock in moisture during baking, keeping the chicken tender. For more juicy results with hearty cuts, try our tips from how to cook boneless short ribs in a pan.
How to make fajitas more exciting?
Make your fajitas exciting by adding melty cheese, smoky chipotle, or creative toppings like guacamole and pickled onions. Try serving with sides like Mexican chicken fries for a fun twist. Recipes like Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken upgrade the classic fajita into a rich, satisfying baked meal with all the Tex-Mex flavors you love.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just reduce the baking time to about 15 minutes.
Is it spicy?
Not unless you use hot salsa. It’s very mild by default.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4 hours.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re prepping dinner for the week or hosting friends, cheesy baked fajita chicken will be a crowd favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—plus it fits perfectly into your comfort food rotation.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to explore your other Tex-Mex favorites on the site!
Print
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken is a creamy, oven-baked Tex-Mex dinner bursting with bold flavors, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese. This easy weeknight recipe brings together fajita seasoning, colorful peppers, and rich cheddar in one irresistible casserole. Perfect for families craving comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup chunky salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1 tbsp chopped jalapeños for extra heat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay the chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, salsa, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Top with diced bell peppers and optional red onion or jalapeños.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving your cheesy baked fajita chicken.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Add Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra cheesy, melty finish.
- Serve with tortillas, rice, or salad for a complete Tex-Mex chicken dinner.
- This dish is mild but can be made spicy by using hot salsa or chipotle seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 442 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1177mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: cheesy baked fajita chicken, fajita chicken bake, chicken fajita casserole, oven baked chicken fajitas, Tex-Mex chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken with cheese
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