Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with colorful bell peppers and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for serving)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Step 5: Stir in the corn and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 3-5 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet, and cover with a lid until the cheese melts.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
8. Step 8: Serve the cheesy chicken and peppers on plates with a dollop of sour cream if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when seasoning the chicken.
• Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Use a mix of frozen and fresh vegetables for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• If you prefer, swap chicken breasts for thighs for more juicy and rich flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add fresh cilantro and a little sour cream after reheating for best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work well and can add different flavors and textures.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the cooked skillet for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove to maintain texture.

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

This Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Mexican spices, sautéed colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, and juicy diced tomatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners that brings a cheesy, zesty Baja twist to your table.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for serving)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and evenly season them with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse the meat with bold flavors.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, warming it until it shimmers to ensure even cooking.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
4. Add the Peppers: Incorporate the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers into the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the peppers begin to soften, adding a sweet crunch to the dish.
5. Incorporate Corn and Tomatoes: Stir in the corn and diced tomatoes, cooking together for an additional 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors fully.
6. Mix in the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet’s contents, and cover with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt thoroughly, creating a creamy, gooey topping.
7. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and, if desired, garnish with fresh cilantro to add a burst of herbal freshness.
8. Serve: Spoon the cheesy Baja chicken and vegetables onto plates and add a dollop of sour cream if you like for a creamy contrast to the spicy flavors.

Notes

• Use fresh corn if available for sweeter flavor; frozen corn works equally well when fresh is out of season.
• Adjust the chili powder and cumin quantities to your preferred spice level.
• For a lower fat option, reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or substitute with a lower-fat cheese.
• Sour cream is optional but adds a nice creamy tang to balance the spices.
• Serve with warm tortillas or rice for a complete meal.

Keywords: Cheesy Baja Chicken, Bell Pepper Skillet, Mexican chicken skillet, one-pan meal, spicy chicken recipe, sautéed bell peppers, quick dinner, cheddar cheese chicken