Bring the sizzle of a Tex-Mex favorite straight to your kitchen with this vibrant and cheesy chicken fajita skillet! This recipe combines tender strips of seasoned chicken breast with colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and a generous layer of melted Pepper Jack or Mozzarella cheese, all cooked in a single pan. It’s an easy, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings with friends and family.
Start by cutting two large chicken breasts into strips and tossing them with avocado oil and a blend of spices, including smoky paprika, earthy cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat. A dash of brown sugar enhances the spices, creating a balanced, slightly sweet undertone that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of garlic, onion powder, and oregano. This seasoning blend not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also creates a savory crust as it cooks, sealing in juiciness and adding a delectable golden-brown color.
Once seasoned, the chicken strips are cooked in a hot skillet, allowing the spices to release their aromas and intensify. Once fully cooked, the chicken is removed to make room for the sliced bell peppers and onion, which are sautéed until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. This gives them a delicate sweetness that balances the dish’s smoky, spicy notes. The vegetables not only add vibrant color but also a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken.
After the veggies are softened, the chicken is added back to the skillet, and the ingredients are tossed together, allowing the flavors to meld. Finally, a generous layer of freshly grated Pepper Jack or Mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over the top. Lowering the heat and covering the skillet lets the cheese melt into a bubbly, gooey blanket that pulls everything together.
Serve this deliciously cheesy chicken fajita skillet straight from the pan for an inviting, family-style meal. Pair it with warm flour tortillas for building your own fajita wraps, and offer classic sides like tangy sour cream and spicy salsa to complement each bite.
This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to make, with minimal cleanup thanks to its one-pan preparation. It’s the perfect choice when you’re craving bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss—an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on taste!
Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet: A Flavor-Packed, One-Pan Wonder
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into strips
- 4 Tbsp avocado oil divided
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp sugar
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 8 oz freshly grated Pepper Jack or Mozzarella cheese
Optional Sides:
- Flour tortillas
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with 2 Tbsp of avocado oil and all seasonings, mixing until evenly coated.
- Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until fully done. Remove chicken and any juices from the pan.
- In the same pan, add the sliced peppers and onion. Sauté until softened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle grated cheese on top and cover the skillet with a lid. Let cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with optional sides like flour tortillas, sour cream, and salsa.