Fajita Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This Fajita Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and melted pepper jack cheese. Seasoned with classic fajita spices and cooked on the stovetop to juicy perfection, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. A fresh squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro brighten the dish for an authentic Tex-Mex flair.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Vegetable Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 small white onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 large white or cremini mushrooms, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Prepare the vegetable filling: Dice the onion, red bell pepper, and mushrooms into small 1/4-inch pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced vegetables until tender, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside in a small bowl.
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, without cutting all the way through, so they open like a book. Alternatively, place the chicken between plastic wrap or parchment and pound to about 1/4-inch thickness with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the sautéed vegetable mixture into the center of each chicken breast. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese over the vegetables. Fold the chicken breasts over to enclose the filling, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Season the stuffed chicken: In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken: Wipe out the skillet used for the vegetables and return to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon salted butter. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and garnish: Drizzle the cooked chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Butterflying or pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, double-check that the spices and cheese are gluten-free certified.
- Removing toothpicks before serving is important to avoid choking hazards.
Keywords: Fajita Stuffed Chicken, Tex-Mex Chicken Breast, Stuffed Chicken, Pepper Jack Chicken, Chicken Fajitas, Skillet Chicken