Fajita Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts filled with a classic mix of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese, all seasoned with smoky fajita spices. A flavorful, low-carb twist on a Tex-Mex favorite that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat oven and prepare vegetables.
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- d.Add the sliced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.
- e.Add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- f.Stir in 1 tablespoon of the fajita seasoning, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the chicken breasts.
- b.While the vegetables cook, place a chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap.
- c.Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
- d.Carefully cut a deep horizontal pocket into the thickest side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- e.In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Season the entire outside of each chicken breast with this mixture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stuff the chicken.
- b.Add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the bowl with the cooked vegetables and toss to combine.
- c.Carefully divide the vegetable and cheese mixture among the four chicken breasts, stuffing it into the pockets. Do not overstuff.
- d.Secure the opening of each chicken breast with 2-3 toothpicks to keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Sear the chicken.
- b.Wipe out the skillet you used for the vegetables and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
- c.Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake to perfection.
- b.Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.
- c.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and serve.
- b.Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy.
- c.Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly even cooking, ensure you pound the chicken to a uniform thickness before cutting the pocket.
- 2Don't overstuff the chicken, as the filling will expand and spill out. Secure the opening well with toothpicks.
- 3Using an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) saves you from washing an extra dish. If you don't have one, sear in a pan and transfer to a baking dish.
- 4A meat thermometer is the best tool to guarantee your chicken is cooked to a safe temperature without being dry.
- 5Letting the chicken rest is non-negotiable! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much more tender and flavorful bite.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spice Level
For a spicier kick, add 1 finely chopped jalapeño to the vegetable mixture during sautéing. You can also use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
FillingFilling
To make the filling creamier, mix in 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of softened cream cheese with the sautéed vegetables and shredded cheese before stuffing the chicken.
SeasoningSeasoning
Create your own fajita seasoning by mixing 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, an important antioxidant that supports skin health and immunity. Onions provide beneficial compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
With minimal carbohydrates from the vegetables and cheese, this dish is a great choice for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Each stuffed chicken breast contains approximately 425-450 calories, depending on the exact size of the chicken and the amount of cheese and oil used.