Description
This Fajita Stuffed Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Searing the chicken before baking locks in flavors and ensures a tender, delicious meal perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Chicken and Seasoning
- 16–20 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, sautéing until they become soft and lightly browned. Remove the skillet from heat and set the vegetables aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the side to create a pocket for stuffing. Season both sides generously with taco seasoning to infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Stuff and Sear: Fill the pockets of each chicken breast with the sautéed bell pepper and onion mixture along with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling intact. In the skillet, add more olive oil if necessary and sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown.
- Bake: Transfer the cast-iron skillet with the seared, stuffed chicken breasts into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove chicken from the oven and serve hot with lime wedges. Optionally, add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Butterflying the chicken breasts creates a perfect pocket for stuffing and helps them cook evenly.
- Cast-iron skillet is preferred for even searing and oven-to-table convenience.
- Customize the filling by adding other fajita vegetables like sliced jalapeños or mushrooms.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid any choking hazard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
