The sizzling flavors of Tex-Mex take center stage in this Grilled Hasselback Fajita Chicken recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are sliced Hasselback-style and stuffed with colorful strips of bell peppers and red onion, then grilled (or oven-baked) to tender perfection. A generous layer of Tex Mex cheese melts over the top, making each bite bold, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying.
Paired with a smoky, spiced side of roasted sweet potatoes, this meal checks every box: high in protein, bursting with flavor, and easy to prepare in under an hour. Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week or impress your guests at a summer BBQ, this vibrant, healthy dish delivers every time.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp fajita or taco seasoning
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1/2 each red, yellow, and green bell pepper, very thinly sliced
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1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
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1/2 cup shredded Tex Mex cheese
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Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
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Salsa and sour cream (optional for serving)
For the roasted sweet potato side:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 tsp chili powder
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2 tsp paprika
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2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
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In a medium baking dish, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
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While sweet potatoes roast, prep the chicken. Make horizontal slits along each breast without cutting all the way through (Hasselback style).
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Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and fajita or taco seasoning.
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Insert thin slices of bell peppers and red onions into the slits of the chicken breasts.
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Place stuffed chicken onto a grill preheated to medium-high or bake in the oven at 450°F for 15 minutes.
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After 15 minutes, top each chicken breast with shredded Tex Mex cheese. Cook an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
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Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with roasted sweet potatoes, salsa, and sour cream if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 484 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Flavor-Packed Twist on Classic Fajitas: Grilled Hasselback Fajita Stuffed Chicken
Fajitas are a beloved staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, cherished for their colorful veggies, bold spices, and the endless ways they can be customized. But what happens when you take those familiar flavors and stuff them into something new, exciting, and even more satisfying? Enter the Grilled Hasselback Fajita Stuffed Chicken, a mouthwatering fusion of juicy chicken, sautéed fajita vegetables, melted cheese, and smoky seasoning—designed to delight your taste buds and simplify your weeknight dinner routine.
This dish reinvents the idea of stuffed chicken with a creative technique: the Hasselback cut. By slicing deep pockets into the chicken breast without cutting all the way through, you create little flavor pockets ready to be filled with vibrant bell peppers, red onions, and plenty of cheese. It’s both visually impressive and incredibly practical—each slice allows the seasonings and ingredients to infuse directly into the meat, delivering layers of taste in every bite.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and visual appeal. Unlike traditional stuffed chicken, which is often split and rolled, the Hasselback method keeps the shape of the chicken intact while offering plenty of room for fillings. This method also allows for even cooking and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Grilling the chicken adds a smokiness that pairs well with the fajita spices, while baking provides a more hands-off option without sacrificing taste. Topped with melty Tex-Mex cheese and served with roasted sweet potatoes or your favorite sides, this meal becomes a powerhouse of nutrition and comfort food indulgence all in one.
Moreover, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can choose to prepare it on an outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or bake it in the oven, depending on what you have available. It works great as a meal prep option, a show-stopping dinner, or even a protein-packed lunch the next day.
The Hasselback Technique: A Game-Changer in the Kitchen
The Hasselback technique, traditionally associated with potatoes, has made its way into the chicken world with fantastic results. The idea is simple: make deep slices along the surface of the chicken breast and stuff the slits with your favorite ingredients. It looks fancy, but it’s remarkably easy to do with a sharp knife and a steady hand.
This technique allows the flavors to seep into the chicken during cooking, keeping it juicy and flavorful throughout. Unlike some stuffed chicken methods that can dry out during baking, the Hasselback approach lets heat circulate evenly while the fillings help retain moisture. It’s perfect for busy cooks looking to elevate their dinner game with minimal fuss.
Nutritional Benefits and Meal Prep Value
One of the best aspects of Grilled Hasselback Fajita Chicken is that it’s both healthy and hearty. Lean chicken breasts offer a great source of high-quality protein with low fat content, making this meal ideal for anyone following a balanced, low-carb, or keto-friendly diet.
The rainbow bell peppers and onions aren’t just there for flavor—they add a powerful punch of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. When combined with a small serving of sweet potatoes, you get a complete meal with complex carbs, essential nutrients, and satisfying flavor. You can also skip the sweet potatoes for an even lower-carb version and pair the chicken with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or cauliflower rice.
From a meal prep standpoint, this dish is a dream. The chicken can be sliced, seasoned, and stuffed ahead of time, then grilled or baked fresh when ready to eat. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to five days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For best results, a light sprinkle of water before reheating helps retain moisture and keeps the cheese from drying out.
Great for Entertaining and Family Dinners
This recipe isn’t just for meal prepping or quick weeknights—it also makes a stunning centerpiece for a family dinner or gathering. Its colorful presentation, sizzling aroma, and cheesy topping are sure to draw attention and compliments.
You can easily double or triple the batch for larger groups, and since it’s naturally gluten-free and customizable, it suits a wide variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just need a dependable dish for your dinner rotation, Grilled Hasselback Fajita Chicken fits the bill.
To add variety, consider setting up a topping bar for your guests or family members. Offer bowls of guacamole, salsa, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños, and even crumbled queso fresco. This allows everyone to tailor their plate to their liking and makes the meal feel festive and fun.
Variations and Customizations
The base recipe is already packed with flavor, but there are so many ways to make this dish your own. Here are a few tasty twists to consider:
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Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the slits with the bell peppers for a spicy version.
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Low Dairy: Swap out cheese with a dairy-free alternative or simply omit it for a paleo-friendly version.
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Veggie Boost: Include mushrooms or zucchini ribbons in the slits for an added veggie bonus.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme, oregano, or Mexican spices like cumin and coriander to the seasoning blend for deeper flavor complexity.
You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or shredded mozzarella, depending on your taste preferences.
Perfect Side Dishes to Complement the Meal
This dish is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas that work beautifully with the Tex-Mex flavor profile:
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Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob brushed with crema, lime juice, and sprinkled with chili powder and cotija cheese.
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Avocado Salad: A light mix of avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and lime juice offers freshness and creaminess.
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Cilantro Lime Rice: A zesty rice side that’s great for soaking up any extra juices from the chicken.
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Black Beans or Refried Beans: Rich in fiber and protein, they complement the spice and texture of the dish well.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
If you’re looking to save time, you can prepare the chicken ahead by slicing and seasoning it, then storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. For long-term storage, the chicken can be frozen either raw (seasoned and sliced) or cooked. However, it’s best to avoid freezing after stuffing with bell peppers, as the vegetables tend to become mushy once thawed.
To freeze: wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Dish Again and Again
The Grilled Hasselback Fajita Stuffed Chicken is more than just another chicken recipe—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, creative cooking techniques, and versatility. It combines everything you love about fajitas into a healthier, oven- or grill-ready format that’s equally suitable for weeknight meals and weekend entertaining.
From its vibrant appearance to its customizable ingredients, this recipe offers a delightful balance of ease, nutrition, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests, stick to a meal plan, or just enjoy something delicious and hearty, this dish delivers in every way.
It’s time to give your regular chicken dinner a flavorful upgrade. Get creative, enjoy the process, and don’t be surprised when this one becomes a weekly favorite on your family’s menu!