Description
Delicious and colorful Fajita Stuffed Chicken combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and seasoned with a smoky and spicy blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable Filling
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the spices.
- Prepare Chicken: Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto the outside of each chicken breast. Stuff the pockets with the sautéed peppers and onions along with a little bit of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to not overstuff the chicken breasts to avoid any filling spilling out during baking.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños to the vegetable filling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
