Description
This Baked Fajita Chicken Breasts recipe offers a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy classic fajita flavors with the ease of oven baking. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a smoky and spicy mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika, then baked to juicy perfection and optionally roasted with bell peppers and onions for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime, juiced
Optional Vegetables (for serving)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken breasts.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the fajita seasoning mix.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil to coat them evenly, then generously sprinkle both sides with the prepared fajita seasoning mix.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or use a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken breasts to add a bright, tangy flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Roast Vegetables (Optional): In the last 5 minutes of baking, add sliced bell peppers and onions to the baking sheet to roast alongside the chicken, adding natural sweetness and texture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- You can serve the chicken with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer spicier chicken, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning blend.
