Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet is packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness—all cooked in one pan for easy prep and cleanup. The Baja seasoning blend brings a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet bell peppers and gooey cheese. It’s versatile, fast, and can be served over rice, wrapped in tortillas, or enjoyed as-is for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
olive oil
red bell pepper, sliced
yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
green bell pepper, sliced
red onion, sliced
garlic, minced
chili powder
smoked paprika
ground cumin
salt
black pepper
lime juice
shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
lime wedges, for serving
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add sliced bell peppers and red onion. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly charred.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and toss everything together to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and reduce heat to low, allowing the cheese to melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicier version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Tex-Mex style: Stir in black beans or corn before adding cheese.
- Low-carb/keto: Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice.
- Taco-style: Spoon the mixture into tortillas for cheesy Baja chicken tacos.
- Add rice: Mix in cooked rice for a complete one-pan meal.
- Use different cheese: Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.
- Creamy twist: Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before melting the shredded cheese.
- Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with sliced mushrooms or tofu.
- Citrus boost: Add a bit of orange zest or juice for a sweet-tangy pop.
- Meal prep: Portion into containers with rice or tortillas for ready-to-go lunches.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water or lime juice if needed to refresh the texture. This dish also freezes well—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What does “Baja” flavor mean?
Baja-style typically refers to a Southwestern or Mexican-inspired flavor profile, often involving lime, chili, cumin, and smoky spices.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well. Add it after sautéing the vegetables and heat through before adding cheese.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative or simply omit the cheese.
What’s the best pan to use?
A large nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best to evenly cook the chicken and vegetables.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, just sauté a little longer to evaporate excess moisture before adding chicken back to the skillet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your spices and cheese are certified gluten-free.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Definitely. It reheats well and makes a great option for lunches or quick dinners.
How can I make it more saucy?
Add a couple tablespoons of salsa, enchilada sauce, or sour cream before topping with cheese.
What should I serve with it?
It pairs well with rice, tortillas, salad, or even a simple side of chips and guacamole.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are flavorful and stay juicy—just be sure they’re boneless and skinless for best results.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s both easy to make and hard to resist. With juicy chicken, tender peppers, and a gooey blanket of melted cheese, it hits all the right notes for a satisfying dinner. Whether you serve it as a skillet meal, in wraps, or over rice, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.
PrintCheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet
Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a bold and vibrant one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, all seasoned with smoky Southwest-inspired spices. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add remaining oil if needed, then add sliced bell peppers and red onion to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly charred.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, squeeze in lime juice, and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, letting the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or cayenne.
- Great for tacos, wraps, rice bowls, or low-carb meals.
- Add salsa or cream for a saucier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg