Name: Cheesy Baja Chicken Skillet with Colorful Bell Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken sautéing); 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; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup sour cream; Fresh cilantro

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving something that hits every mark—comforting, colorful, and bursting with flavor—this Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is exactly what you need. It truly stands out as Cheesy Baja Chicken Skillet with Colorful Bell Peppers that brings together tender, spice-kissed chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey melted cheddar all in one pan. Every bite offers a vibrant fiesta of Tex-Mex goodness that feels both wholesome and indulgent, perfect for impressing family or unwinding with an effortless dinner after a busy day.

An Incredible One-Pan Meal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to deliver the perfect balance of taste and texture. Each component plays a key role—spices warm up the chicken, colorful peppers add crunch and sweetness, while the cheese ties everything together with irresistible creaminess.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up every bit of seasoning perfectly.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing that creates a beautiful golden sear on the chicken and peppers.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle smoky heat that defines the Baja flavor.
1 teaspoon cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone to the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika: Offers vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for rounding out and enhancing each flavor.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Digestible sweetness and vivid red color to brighten the dish.
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Another layer of crunch and sunshine-yellow hue.
1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of other peppers.
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen): Sweet kernels that give a delightful pop in every bite.
1 cup diced tomatoes: Juicy bursts of acidity to balance the richness.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, melty star that blankets the entire meal in savory goodness.
½ cup sour cream (optional for serving): Adds creamy coolness as a perfect finishing touch.
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Bright herbal notes that elevate every forkful.

How to Make Cheesy Baja Chicken Skillet with Colorful Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and soak up all the spices beautifully. Toss them with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure each piece is bursting with flavor from the start.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Warming the pan properly is key to getting a nice golden crust on the chicken, which locks in juices and amps up the taste.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. This helps build color. Continue sautéing until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, around 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly and keep those flavors mingling.

Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers

Once the chicken is ready, toss in the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the peppers soften just enough to retain a pleasant crunch. Their sweetness perfectly balances the spices on the chicken.

Step 5: Mix in Corn and Tomatoes

Stir in the sweet corn kernels and diced tomatoes. Let the medley simmer gently for another 3 to 5 minutes, giving all the ingredients a chance to marry and develop those signature Baja flavors.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and scatter the shredded cheddar over the top of the skillet contents. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt into a luscious, bubbly blanket. This gooey layer is what makes this Cheesy Baja Chicken Skillet with Colorful Bell Peppers truly irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you like. It adds a burst of freshness that brightens the dish. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra creaminess if you want that cooling contrast to the spices.

How to Serve Cheesy Baja Chicken Skillet with Colorful Bell Peppers

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro leaves always elevate this dish, adding a vibrant herbal note that lifts every bite. A spoonful of cool sour cream is also wonderful—it smooths out the smoky spices and adds indulgent creaminess.

Side Dishes

You really don’t need much besides some warm tortillas or steamed rice to soak up all that cheesy, saucy goodness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a refreshing counterpart to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

This one-pan meal also doubles as a fantastic filling for tacos or burrito bowls. Serve the chicken-pepper mixture over quinoa or even roasted sweet potatoes for a wholesome twist. Its versatility makes it a true crowd-pleaser at any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient, flavorful meal anytime you want Cheesy Baja Chicken Skillet with Colorful Bell Peppers on demand.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, splash in a little water or broth to revive the sauciness and melt the cheese again for that comforting texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic sharpness and melting quality, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can work well for different flavor twists. Choose one that melts nicely to keep that gooey, cheesy goodness.

Is this meal spicy?

The dish carries a mild to moderate spice level thanks to chili powder and cumin, but it’s not overpowering. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or add jalapeños if you love it with an extra kick.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any added sides like tortillas or seasoning blends are labeled gluten-free if you want to keep the whole meal safe for gluten sensitivities.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Definitely! Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu can be great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since some proteins cook faster than chicken.

What if I don’t have fresh bell peppers?

Frozen bell peppers can be used in a pinch, though fresh ones provide better texture. You might want to sauté frozen peppers a bit longer to remove excess moisture but the flavors will still meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create Cheesy Baja Chicken Skillet with Colorful Bell Peppers that’s bursting with flavor and color. It’s a dish I return to time and again when I want something satisfying without the fuss. I hope you enjoy making—and savoring—it as much as I do!

Cheesy Baja Chicken Skillet with Colorful Bell Peppers

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, sautéed with colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes, then topped with melted cheddar cheese for a rich finish. This dish offers a quick and satisfying dinner option bursting with fresh textures and bold southwestern-inspired flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly to infuse flavor.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, warming it until shimmering to prepare for sautéing.
Sauté the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked thoroughly.
Add the Peppers: Add sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
Incorporate Corn and Tomatoes: Stir in the corn and diced tomatoes, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes to let the flavors blend together nicely.
Mix in the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet contents, cover with a lid, and let the cheese melt fully, creating a creamy layer.
Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor enhancement if desired.
Serve: Spoon the cheesy chicken and vegetable mixture onto plates and top with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and tang, serving immediately.

Notes

Use fresh bell peppers for the best texture and sweetness, but frozen can be a convenient alternative.
Adjust the chili powder to taste if you prefer more or less heat in the dish.
Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for variation.
Serve with warm tortillas or over rice to make the meal more filling.
For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese and sour cream or use vegan alternatives.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Southwestern