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+ servings
Baja Chicken Skillet

Savor the Flavor: Easy Baja Chicken Skillet Recipe

Enjoy a quick and satisfying Baja Chicken Skillet packed with flavors, perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 pieces Chicken Breasts Lean protein
  • 1/2 cup Orange Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice
  • 1 piece Jalapeños Diced, fresh, or substitute with mild peppers
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing
  • 2 pieces Bell Peppers Diced, can substitute with zucchini or snap peas
  • 1 piece Red Onion Chopped, can use shallots as alternative
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust for spice preference
For Topping
  • 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese Shredded, can substitute with mozzarella or cheddar
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Chopped, optional

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a bowl, combine fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  2. In a large cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced jalapeños, diced bell peppers, and red onions. Sauté for about 8 minutes until tender.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Retrieve marinated chicken breasts. Mix together spices (paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper). Coat chicken breasts with the spice mixture.
  5. Place seasoned chicken in the skillet. Sear each side for approximately 4 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Distribute sautéed vegetables around chicken. Layer slices of pepper jack cheese on each chicken breast.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F.
  8. Let the skillet rest briefly, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature of 165°F.

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