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 and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting yet fresh.

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 and season them with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat the 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, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.
5. Step 5: Stir in the corn and diced tomatoes, and cook for another 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture, and cover the skillet with a lid until the cheese melts.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
8. Step 8: Serve warm, adding a dollop of sour cream on top if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño along with the bell peppers.
• Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Use grilled chicken instead of pan-cooked for a smoky flavor.
• Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bell peppers for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bell peppers work well. Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid a watery skillet.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and can be portioned for meals throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a vibrant and 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. This dish brings together fresh and hearty ingredients to create a comforting, cheesy skillet dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Daniel
• 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
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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

Finishing Touches

• 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 season them thoroughly with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse them with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm evenly to ensure perfect sautéing.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add the Peppers: Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté them with the chicken for approximately 5 minutes, until they begin to soften but still maintain a bit of crunch and color.
5. Incorporate Corn and Tomatoes: Stir in the corn and diced tomatoes to the skillet mixture. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the vegetables through evenly.
6. Mix in the Cheese: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt, creating a gooey, delicious layer.
7. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired to add a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
8. Serve: Spoon the cheesy chicken and pepper mixture onto plates and add a dollop of sour cream if you prefer a creamy tang. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty skillet meal!

Notes

• Using fresh bell peppers adds the best texture and flavor, but frozen sliced peppers can be used in a pinch.
• For extra heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the chicken.
• Serve with warm tortillas or rice to make the meal more filling.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different cheesy flavor.

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Skillet, Baja Chicken, Bell Peppers, Mexican Skillet Recipe, One-Pan Dinner