Step 1

Season your chicken generously with 2 tablespoons of Fajita Spice Blend, ensuring each piece is well coated. For the best flavor, do this a few hours or the night before cooking. Let the chicken rest outside the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Combine the grated cheeses in a bowl and set them aside.

Step 3

Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, adding enough oil to coat the bottom. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, searing it on all sides. Cook in batches if needed, de-glazing the pan with a little chicken broth if the chicken sticks. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until there’s no visible pink. Set the chicken aside. If you plan to finish the dish in the oven, it’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through; otherwise, ensure it’s done.

Step 4

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and crank the heat to high. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Sear the veggies for a couple of minutes until they start to char but still have some bite. Set them aside with the chicken.

Step 5

Lower the heat back to medium-high. Add a tablespoon of oil, then sauté the minced jalapeño until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil, and let it toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the liquid is almost completely absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 7

Once the rice is nearly done, stir in the chicken, veggies, and 3/4 of the cheese blend. Mix everything thoroughly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. For a looser texture, use the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes instead.

Step 8

Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle minced cilantro over the entire dish or individual servings if some folks in your household aren’t cilantro fans. Dassit! Enjoy the fiesta of flavors!