One-Pan Baja Chicken Skillet

This Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet has become my family's go-to weeknight dinner solution when we crave something vibrant and satisfying without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The combination of colorful bell peppers, protein-packed chicken, and melty cheese creates a fiesta of flavors that transports us straight to the Baja coast.

I first created this dish during a particularly busy week when I needed something quick but still impressive enough for unexpected dinner guests. Everyone raved about it so much that it's now in our regular rotation even when we're not entertaining.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provides lean protein and takes on the southwestern seasonings beautifully
• Olive oil helps prevent sticking while adding a subtle fruity flavor
• Chili powder delivers authentic Mexican warmth without overwhelming heat
• Cumin adds an earthy depth that grounds all the flavors
• Paprika contributes a sweet peppery note and gorgeous color
• Bell peppers three colors not only look stunning but offer slightly different flavor profiles and a satisfying crunch
• Corn provides sweet pops of texture throughout the dish
• Diced tomatoes add juicy acidity that balances the rich cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese creates that irresistible gooey factor that brings everything together
• Sour cream optional but highly recommended for cooling creaminess
• Fresh cilantro brightens the finished dish with herbal notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces about 1 inch each to ensure even cooking. Combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over chicken. Make sure to turn the pieces to coat all sides for maximum flavor infusion.

Heat the Skillet

Use a large 12-inch skillet for this recipe to give ingredients room to cook properly without steaming. Heat olive oil until it shimmers but doesn't smoke, which should take about 1 minute over medium-high heat.

Sauté the Chicken

Add seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, allowing space between pieces. Let cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a nice sear, then stir occasionally. Look for golden brown edges and cook until no pink remains inside, approximately 5-7 minutes total.

Add the Peppers

Introduce the colorful sliced bell peppers to the skillet, stirring to combine with chicken. Allow peppers to soften slightly but maintain some crunch, about 5 minutes. You'll notice them becoming vibrant and slightly translucent around the edges.

Incorporate Corn and Tomatoes

Scatter corn and diced tomatoes across the skillet, gently folding to distribute evenly. These ingredients add moisture to the dish while bringing sweet and acidic notes that complement the spiced chicken. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Mix in the Cheese

Lower the heat to prevent burning, then sprinkle cheddar cheese across the entire surface. Cover with a lid to create a mini oven effect that melts the cheese perfectly. This should take just 2-3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble.

Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and scatter fresh cilantro leaves over the top if using. The residual heat will release the herb's aromatic oils without wilting it completely.

Serve

Portion directly from the skillet onto warmed plates. Add a generous dollop of sour cream if desired, which creates a delicious temperature and texture contrast with the hot cheesy mixture.

Bookmark

The fresh bell peppers are truly the stars of this dish. I discovered their importance when I tried making this with just green peppers once and missed the sweetness that the red and yellow varieties bring. My daughter now specifically requests the "rainbow chicken" dinner whenever she sees bell peppers at the grocery store.

Make Ahead Options

This skillet reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy households. Prepare the entire dish up to the cheese-melting step, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat and add the cheese just before serving. The flavors actually develop overnight, creating an even more delicious meal the second day.

Customize Your Heat Level

While this recipe provides a family-friendly level of spiciness, you can easily adjust to suit your preference. For those who enjoy more heat, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or incorporate a pinch of cayenne with the seasoning blend. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder by half and use a mild cheddar cheese instead of sharp.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this one-pan wonder into a complete feast by serving it with warm flour tortillas for wrapping, or over cilantro lime rice to soak up the flavorful juices. For a lower-carb option, serve in lettuce cups with extra diced avocado. I often put out small bowls of additional toppings like sliced green onions, lime wedges, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their plate.

The Origins Of Baja Flavor

This recipe draws inspiration from the coastal cuisine of Baja California, where fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors dominate the culinary landscape. While traditional Baja dishes often feature seafood, this inland adaptation maintains the bright, bold flavor profile that makes this regional Mexican cuisine so beloved. The combination of chili, cumin and colorful vegetables honors these culinary traditions in a convenient format.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use different cheese in this Baja chicken skillet?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides classic flavor, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would work beautifully. For a milder taste, try mozzarella, or for more tang, consider adding some crumbled cotija on top after cooking.

→ What can I serve with this chicken skillet dish?

This one-pan meal is complete on its own, but pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, or a simple green salad. For added texture, serve with tortilla chips or avocado slices on the side.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components up to the cheese-melting step. Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days, then reheat in a skillet and add fresh cheese to melt just before serving. The flavors often develop nicely overnight.

→ How can I make this skillet meal spicier?

To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper with the bell peppers. You could also incorporate a tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or serve with hot sauce on the side.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with something else?

Definitely! This versatile dish works well with boneless pork chops cut into pieces, shrimp (add in the last few minutes of cooking), or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often become even more delicious the next day.