Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe
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.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and, if desired, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top to add a fresh, herbal note.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken skillet, cheesy chicken, bell pepper dinner, baja chicken, one-pan meal, Mexican-inspired recipe