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Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe

4.8 from 5 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet pairs bold Mexican-inspired spices with creamy cheese, making for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Spices

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 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

Dairy and Garnishes

  • 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. Season them evenly with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to give the meat a robust flavor base.
  2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up and coat the pan for cooking.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on the outside and fully cooked through.
  4. Add the Peppers: Incorporate the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Sauté together with the chicken for approximately 5 minutes until the peppers soften slightly but retain some crunch.
  5. Incorporate Corn and Tomatoes: Stir in the cup of corn and diced tomatoes. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to blend flavors and warm thoroughly.
  6. Mix in the Cheese: Lower the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet’s contents. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt fully into a gooey topping.
  7. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and, if desired, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top to add a fresh, herbal note.
  8. Serve: Dish out the cheesy chicken and pepper mixture onto plates and add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy contrast if you like.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen corn based on availability; both work well in this recipe.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin amounts to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Sour cream and cilantro add great flavor but are optional.
  • Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a fuller meal.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken skillet, cheesy chicken, bell pepper dinner, baja chicken, one-pan meal, Mexican-inspired recipe