Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of cleanup. It’s made in one skillet, ready in under an hour, and loaded with bright Baja-inspired flavors. The combination of seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, and gooey cheese is irresistible, and it’s easy to serve with rice, tortillas, or just 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
• Olive oil
• Red, green, and yellow bell peppers, sliced
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Lime juice
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: jalapeños, black beans, corn

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the peppers.
7. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
• Veggie-packed: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
• Cheese swap: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco for different flavor profiles.
• Baja bowl: Serve over rice with avocado, beans, and salsa.
• Taco night: Use the filling in tortillas for quick tacos or burritos.
• Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

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 individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and tend to be more flavorful and juicy.

What does “Baja” mean in this recipe?

Baja refers to the southwestern, Baja California-style flavors—zesty, bold, and often influenced by Mexican cuisine.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook everything in advance and reheat before serving. It stores and reheats well.

Is this dish spicy?

Not necessarily. It’s mildly spiced, but you can easily add heat with jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I add beans or corn?

Absolutely. Black beans and corn are great additions for added texture and flavor.

What’s the best cheese to use?

A Mexican blend melts beautifully, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all great choices.

How can I make it more saucy?

Add a splash of chicken broth or a spoonful of salsa for extra moisture and flavor.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, though fresh peppers provide a better texture. If using frozen, sauté them a bit longer to remove excess moisture.

What sides go well with this dish?

It pairs well with rice, tortillas, black beans, avocado slices, or a fresh salad.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure your spices and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving it over rice, stuffing it into tacos, or enjoying it straight from the skillet, this dish delivers bold, satisfying flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

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Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan meal loaded with zesty spices, juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheese. It’s a quick, flavorful dish inspired by Southwestern flavors.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Southwestern
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: sliced jalapeños, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook chicken in the skillet for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining oil if needed and sauté sliced onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
7. Add lime juice and toss to combine everything well.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover with a lid, and let melt for 2–3 minutes.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

• Swap cheese for dairy-free alternative to make it dairy-free.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier texture and deeper flavor.
• For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Try serving in tortillas or over rice for a heartier meal.
• To make it saucier, stir in a spoonful of salsa or a splash of broth.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of skillet
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 110mg