Baked Cajun Chicken Fiesta
Baked Cajun Chicken Fiesta – A quick and easy weeknight meal packed with spicy Cajun flavors, fresh vegetables, and topped with melty Mexican cheese. Ready in under 40 minutes!
There's something magical about a one-pan meal that's bursting with flavor, and this Baked Cajun Chicken Fiesta is just that! With tender chicken, fresh jalapeños, juicy tomatoes, and melted Mexican cheese, this dish delivers a fiesta of flavors in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're craving something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cajun Chicken Fiesta
This dish is the epitome of convenience without sacrificing flavor. It’s packed with Cajun spices that complement the freshness of the lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. The melted cheese on top makes it irresistible, while the vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a family favorite. If you're looking for a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, this one’s for you!
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
Weeknights can be hectic, and that’s why this recipe is such a gem. With just 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking time, you'll have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour. Plus, it's a one-pan dish, which means easy cleanup—a win-win for busy evenings! Whether you're feeding a family or just yourself, this Baked Cajun Chicken Fiesta is a simple yet delicious option to spice up your weeknight routine.
Ingredients Breakdown:
1 lb Chicken Tenderloins, diced into bite-sized pieces: Tenderloins are easy to cook, juicy, and soak up the Cajun flavors beautifully.
1 Yellow Onion, diced: Adds a slightly sweet flavor when cooked and balances the heat of the jalapeños.
2 Fresh Jalapeños, diced: These bring heat to the dish, which can be adjusted by using more or fewer jalapeños depending on your spice preference.
2 Roma Tomatoes, diced: Fresh tomatoes add a juicy, refreshing element to balance the spice.
Juice of 1 Lime: Lime juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the cheese and chicken.
2-3 Cloves of Garlic, minced: Garlic adds depth and a savory punch to the overall flavor profile.
Olive Oil: Helps to combine and roast all the ingredients perfectly.
1 tsp Onion Powder & 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor of the fresh garlic and onion for an even richer taste.
Salt & Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (Optional): Cilantro brings a fresh, herby element that pairs wonderfully with lime and Mexican dishes.
1 Tbsp Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: This Cajun seasoning blend brings all the bold flavors of the South—spicy, savory, and a touch of heat.
1 Cup Mexican Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheeses that melt beautifully over the chicken for a creamy, irresistible topping.
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a 9x13 baking dish, add the diced chicken, onion, jalapeños, tomatoes, garlic, lime juice, and a handful of chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven, uncover, stir the mixture, and sprinkle the Mexican shredded cheese on top.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Serve over a bed of rice, garnish with more cilantro if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by controlling the number of jalapeños you use. If you love extra spice, feel free to add an extra one or even swap for serrano peppers.
Cheese: For a creamier texture, consider adding a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar to the Mexican cheese blend.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with rice, but you can also serve it with tortillas, over quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Cilantro: While cilantro is optional, it adds a wonderful freshness that complements the bold Cajun flavors. Add just before serving to keep it vibrant.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The Cajun spices, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.
Minimal Cleanup: One pan means less mess, and that’s always a bonus on a hectic evening.
This Baked Cajun Chicken Fiesta is a guaranteed hit with anyone who loves a bold, flavor-packed meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can adjust the spice level and toppings to fit your taste.
Baked Cajun Chicken Fiesta
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Tenderloins, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 2 Fresh Jalapeños, diced
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, diced
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 2-3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
- Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro (Optional)
- 1 Tbsp Slap Ya Mama Seasoning
- 1 Cup Mexican Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a 9x13 baking dish, add the diced chicken, onion, jalapeños, tomatoes, garlic, lime juice, and a handful of chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, uncover, stir the mixture, and sprinkle the Mexican shredded cheese on top.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve over a bed of rice, garnish with more cilantro if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by controlling the number of jalapeños you use. If you love extra spice, feel free to add an extra one or even swap for serrano peppers.
- Cheese: For a creamier texture, consider adding a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar to the Mexican cheese blend.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with rice, but you can also serve it with tortillas, over quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Cilantro: While cilantro is optional, it adds a wonderful freshness that complements the bold Cajun flavors. Add just before serving to keep it vibrant.
Try it Tonight!
This dish is just what you need to spice up your dinner routine. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Baked Cajun Chicken Fiesta is calling your name! Make it tonight and let the flavors do the talking.
Love bold flavors? Pin this recipe for later and let me know how it turned out!
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