Baja Chicken Skillet Recipe
The Baja Chicken Skillet is a vibrant, zesty dish that brings the best of fresh citrus, smoky spices, and colorful vegetables right to your table. This recipe balances the brightness of lime and orange juices with the kick of jalapeños and the comforting melty goodness of pepper jack cheese, all cooked together in one skillet for a fuss-free yet incredibly flavorful dinner. Whether you want to impress friends or enjoy a weeknight meal packed with Tex-Mex flair, this Baja Chicken Skillet will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baja Chicken Skillet comes together with simple ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant colors. From citrusy juices to colorful bell peppers and the perfect blend of spices, every item elevates the dish beautifully.
- Chicken breasts (4 boneless, skinless): The hearty base that soaks up all those bright and spicy flavors.
- Orange juice (from 1 orange): Adds a natural sweetness and tanginess that cuts through the spices.
- Lime juice (from 2 limes): Brings a zesty freshness that livens up every bite.
- Jalapeños (2, minced or sliced): Adds the perfect amount of heat to keep things exciting.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Provides a deep, savory aroma that complements all the flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon plus a splash): Essential for sautéing and searing to develop that irresistible char.
- Yellow and orange bell peppers (1 each, diced): Bring vibrant sweetness and a crunchy texture contrast.
- Red onion (1, diced): Adds a sharp, slightly sweet component when sautéed.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors thoroughly.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
- Ground paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky note that feels classic and comforting.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, earthy spice that is essential in Baja-style cooking.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat that doesn’t overpower.
- Pepper jack cheese (4 slices): Melts over the chicken, delivering creamy richness with a touch of spice.
- Fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a bright, herbal finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Baja Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by juicing the orange and one lime into a bowl. To this, add minced garlic, sliced jalapeños, and salt. Stir everything together until evenly combined to create a lively, aromatic marinade that will infuse the chicken with bright, spicy citrus notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into a casserole dish or deep bowl and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 hours. This step is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and building those signature Baja flavors.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
About 10 minutes before the marinade finishes, preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then toss in the minced jalapeños, diced yellow and orange bell peppers, diced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these vibrant veggies for 5 minutes, then squeeze the remaining lime over them, add a pinch of salt, and cook for another 3 minutes to marry their flavors.
Step 4: Remove and Set Aside Vegetables
Once the vegetables are perfectly tender and aromatic, transfer them from the skillet into a bowl and set aside temporarily. This gives the chicken space to sear properly in the skillet.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the veggies are cooking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for the final baking step that melts the cheese perfectly.
Step 6: Season the Chicken
Mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to create your Baja chicken spice blend. Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat lightly if needed, and generously season each breast with this blend for a smoky, spicy crust.
Step 7: Sear the Chicken
Add a splash of olive oil back into the hot skillet and sear the seasoned chicken on high heat for about 4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices while creating a beautiful golden-brown crust that’s full of flavor.
Step 8: Add Vegetables and Cheese
Return the sautéed bell peppers and onions to the skillet, arranging them around and on top of the chicken breast. Then, place a slice of pepper jack cheese over each piece. This sets the stage for the melty finish you’re about to achieve.
Step 9: Bake Until Melted and Juicy
Transfer the entire skillet to the oven’s center rack and bake for 10 minutes. This gentle heat melts the cheese into gooey perfection and ensures the chicken is cooked through, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a pop of green and herbal brightness that cuts through the cheese and spice. The Baja Chicken Skillet is now ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Baja Chicken Skillet
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic topping, but feel free to add a squeeze of extra fresh lime juice or a dollop of creamy sour cream or guacamole. These add layers of cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, warm corn tortillas, or a crisp mixed greens salad to add freshness and balance all the rich flavors in the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, shred the cooked Baja Chicken Skillet chicken and stuff it into soft tortillas, topping with extra veggies and cheese for a taco night vibe. You can also spoon the entire skillet over crispy tortilla chips to create an irresistible nacho platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they meld overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by arranging the cooked chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melty, or warm in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Avoid the microwave to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving and juicy. Just adjust the searing and baking times slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
How spicy is the Baja Chicken Skillet?
The jalapeños and red pepper flakes provide a mild to moderate heat level—you can easily adjust the amount or omit the seeds to control the spiciness to your liking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the pepper jack cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still have plenty of flavor and zest.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 2 hours?
Marinating for 2 hours really helps penetrate the chicken with bright citrus and spice, but if you’re pressed for time, even 30 minutes will boost the flavor significantly.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
Any oven-safe skillet will work. If yours isn’t oven-safe, sear the chicken in a regular pan then transfer everything to a baking dish for the oven step.
Final Thoughts
The Baja Chicken Skillet is a fantastic, vibrant dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its bold flavors and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit over and over again. Trust me, once you try this one, Baja Chicken Skillet will become a staple in your cooking rotation. Enjoy every bite!
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Baja Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Baja Chicken Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken breasts cooked with sautéed bell peppers, jalapeños, and red onions. Topped with melted pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro, it offers a perfect balance of citrusy tang, mild heat, and smoky spices for a delicious and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced (use juice from 1 lime for marinade, reserve 1 lime for sauté)
- 1 jalapeño, minced or sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade)
Sautéed Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus splash for cooking)
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 lime (juice for sautéed vegetables)
- Pinch of salt (for vegetables)
Spices and Topping
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken: Place chicken breasts into a casserole dish or large mixing bowl ready for marination.
- Prepare marinade: Juice the orange and 1 lime into a bowl. Add minced garlic, sliced jalapeño, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Marinate chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat skillet and sauté vegetables: About 10 minutes before the chicken finishes marinating, preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Cook vegetables: Add minced jalapeño, diced yellow and orange bell peppers, diced red onion, and minced garlic to the hot pan. Sauté for 5 minutes, then juice the remaining lime over vegetables, add a pinch of salt, and continue to sauté for 3 more minutes.
- Remove vegetables: Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken: Remove chicken from marinade. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with this spice blend.
- Sear chicken: Add a splash of olive oil to the hot skillet. Sear the chicken breasts over high heat for 4 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
- Add vegetables back: Place the sautéed vegetables on and around the chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Bake: Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each chicken breast. Transfer the skillet to the center rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Baja Chicken Skillet.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken for the full 2 hours, but you can marinate for 30 minutes in a pinch.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heat and great searing, but oven-safe skillets or casserole dishes work too.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the jalapeños and red pepper flakes.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinating, Sautéing, Searing, Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables and cheese
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Baja Chicken Skillet, chicken recipe, Mexican chicken skillet, pepper jack chicken, skillet dinner, easy chicken recipe
