Baked Chicken Fajita Roll Ups (Printable Version)
Juicy chicken rolled with sautéed peppers, onion, and melted cheese for a satisfying Tex-Mex dinner.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Cheese
06 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Spices and Herbs
07 - 1 tbsp olive oil
08 - 2 tsp chili powder
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
12 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Garnishes
15 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Lime wedges
17 - Sour cream
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers and red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated.
03 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally through the center without cutting all the way through, then open like a book. Place between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
04 - Divide the seasoned vegetable mixture and shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly among the flattened chicken cutlets. Lay the filling across the center of each piece, then roll each breast up tightly. Secure with toothpicks to hold the seam closed.
05 - Place the rolled chicken seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle any remaining seasoning blend over the tops of the roll-ups.
06 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
07 - Remove from the oven and discard the toothpicks. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve alongside lime wedges and sour cream.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything you crave about fajitas gets tucked inside juicy chicken, so you get the full experience without needing tortillas.
- Cleanup is minimal since the whole meal bakes in a single dish, leaving you with more time to actually enjoy your evening.
- It looks impressive enough for guests but comes together with everyday ingredients you probably already have.
02 -
- Do not skip pounding the chicken thin, because thick pieces will not roll properly and the outside will dry out before the center cooks through.
- Let the roll ups rest for five minutes after baking so the molten cheese inside doesnt pour out like lava when you slice into them.
03 -
- Toothpicks are your best friend here, so use more than you think you need because there is no shame in securing a stubborn roll with three or four of them.
- Marinating the pounded chicken in a little olive oil and fajita seasoning for an hour before assembling adds a depth of flavor that takes the dish from good to unforgettable.