High-Protein Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake
High-Protein Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake
Cheesy chicken fajita bake with peppers and onions — low-carb, sugar-free, and ready in 30 minutes
This high-protein cheesy chicken fajita bake is loaded with tender chicken, colorful peppers, onions, and melted cheese. Everything bakes together in one dish for a flavorful, satisfying meal that delivers 32 g of protein and only 5 g net carbs per serving.
Low-carb, sugar-free, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Why you’ll love this bake
- 32g protein per serving — a complete high-protein meal
- Only 5g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Classic fajita flavors with melted cheese
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Health notes
- High protein: Chicken and cheese deliver a solid protein boost.
- Low carb: No tortillas or rice — just chicken, peppers, and onions.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar in the seasoning or sauce.
- Quick: Season, assemble, and bake.
Key element — don’t overcrowd the pan
Spread the chicken and vegetables in an even layer so everything cooks and browns properly. Crowding can cause steaming instead of roasting.
Ingredients
Chicken & vegetables
- 1½ lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fajita seasoning (or a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh cilantro or green onion for garnish (optional)
Swaps
- Higher protein: Use chicken breast and add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Extra veggies: Add zucchini or mushrooms with the peppers.
Instructions
| 1 | Preheat and prep. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or similar baking dish. |
| 2 | Season the ingredients. In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips, sliced peppers, and onion with olive oil, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. |
| 3 | Assemble. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture in an even layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. |
| 4 | Bake. Bake 18–22 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and golden. Let rest a few minutes, garnish if desired, and serve. |
Pro tips
- Cut the chicken into similar-sized strips so it cooks evenly.
- For extra browning, broil for the last 1–2 minutes (watch carefully).
- Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for the best melt and flavor.
- This dish reheats well and is excellent for meal prep.
- Serve with a side of guacamole, salsa, or cauliflower rice if desired.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Net carbohydrates | 5g |
| Total carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Total fat | 16g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Estimates based on chicken breast, peppers, onion, and cheese. Exact numbers vary with chicken cut and cheese brand.
Variations
Spicy fajita bake
Add sliced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning.
Creamy version
Stir a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the chicken mixture before topping with shredded cheese.
Shrimp fajita bake
Swap the chicken for large shrimp and reduce the bake time to 12–15 minutes.
Sheet-pan style
Spread everything on a large sheet pan for even more browning and easier serving.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Store covered |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze in portions for easy reheating |
| Reheat | Oven or microwave | Cover to keep moisture; add a splash of broth if needed |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this cheesy chicken fajita bake
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. Why avoid overcrowding the pan?
4. About how long does this take?
5. Best way to reheat leftovers?
