Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet: An Incredible One-Pan Meal Recipe
This Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, and melty cheddar cheese. Seasoned with a zesty blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, this dish offers bold Baja-inspired flavors perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
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
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
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season thoroughly with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and warm the olive oil until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Add the Peppers: Incorporate the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers into the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften but remain vibrant.
- Incorporate Corn and Tomatoes: Stir in the corn and diced tomatoes, cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the vegetables to heat through.
- Mix in the Cheese: Lower the heat to low and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt completely.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an herbaceous touch, if desired.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesy Baja chicken and vegetables onto plates. Add a dollop of sour cream on the side to enhance creaminess and cool the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn based on availability; fresh corn enhances sweetness.
- Adjust chili powder and paprika levels for desired spice intensity.
- For a dairy-free option, omit cheddar cheese and sour cream or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve with warm tortillas or rice for a fuller meal.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: cheesy chicken skillet, baja chicken recipe, one-pan meal, bell pepper chicken, easy weeknight dinner, Mexican-inspired skillet dish
