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For the Baja Chicken Bell Pepper Skillet, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 medium bell peppers (red and green), sliced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon oregano - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, according to preference) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Avocado slices (optional, for serving) - Lime wedges (for serving) If you don’t have some ingredients, here are good swaps: - Chicken: Try turkey or tofu for a different protein. - Bell Peppers: Use any color peppers you like. - Black Beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans work well too. - Salsa: Use diced tomatoes or a homemade mix. - Corn: Canned corn can replace fresh or frozen corn. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s a breakdown per serving: - Calories: ~350 - Protein: ~30g - Carbohydrates: ~40g - Fiber: ~10g - Fat: ~10g This meal gives you protein, fiber, and good fats. It’s balanced and filling, perfect for a quick dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need chicken, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cut the chicken into small pieces. This helps it cook fast and evenly. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. These steps make your dish full of flavor. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it turns clear. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute until it smells great. Now, add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper on top. Stir it all. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is brown and fully cooked. Add the sliced bell peppers next. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring until they soften. Then, mix in the black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir everything well. Let it all simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Don’t forget to taste it! Adjust the seasoning if you need to. Once done, take it off the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright touch. Serve it in colorful bowls for a fun look. You can add avocado slices on top. A squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty kick. Enjoy your delicious Baja Chicken Bell Pepper Skillet! To cook chicken well, start with even pieces. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Heat your skillet before adding oil. Use medium-high heat for a nice sear. Add the chicken to the oil and don't overcrowd the pan; this keeps it from steaming. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Stir often to avoid burning. For Baja Chicken, I love using simple spices. Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This blend gives a fresh and warm taste. You can adjust the amounts based on your spice level. Feel free to add lime juice for brightness. If you like heat, toss in some cayenne pepper or jalapeños. Adding layers of flavor makes your dish pop. Start by sautéing onions and garlic for a strong base. Choose fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime to brighten the dish. Use homemade salsa if you can; it's often tastier than store-bought. Mix in some corn for sweetness and texture. Finally, serve with avocado slices to add creaminess. These simple tweaks make a big difference! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh bell peppers and herbs for the best flavor and vibrant colors in your dish. Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of chili powder and salsa based on your heat preference to make the dish milder or spicier. Meal Prep Friendly: This skillet can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve with Sides: Pair the skillet with rice, quinoa, or tortillas to create a more filling meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Instead of chicken, use chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and texture. You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for extra flavor. Use your favorite spices, like chili powder and cumin, to keep the taste bold. This Baja Chicken Bell Pepper Skillet is mostly gluten-free. The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your salsa and any beans do not have gluten. Always check labels when shopping. This way, you can enjoy a safe and tasty meal. You can control the heat level in this dish. For a milder version, use mild salsa. If you enjoy spice, opt for a hot salsa. You can also add fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Test it as you go to find your perfect balance. To keep your Baja Chicken Bell Pepper Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down before sealing. This step helps prevent moisture buildup. Place the container in the fridge. Your dish will last for 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat leftovers on the stove. Use medium heat for even warming. Stir often to avoid burning. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. If you use a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir in between to make sure it warms evenly. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label and date your container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up on the stove or microwave. You can serve this dish with rice or tortillas. Both options soak up the flavors well. You might also add a side salad for freshness. Fresh avocado slices and lime wedges brighten the meal. This skillet will stay fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. Yes, you can swap in other veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times. You want your veggies tender but not mushy. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste! This post covered the key ingredients and cooking steps for a tasty skillet dish. We discussed substitutions, nutrition, and cooking tips. You learned variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun in the kitchen. Try out these tips and make your skillet meal your own. Enjoy the flavors and share your results!

Baja Chicken Bell Pepper Skillet

A flavorful skillet dish featuring chicken, bell peppers, black beans, and corn, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium bell peppers (red and green), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, according to preference)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 medium avocado slices (optional, for serving)
  • 1 lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Introduce the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
  • Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Add the black beans, corn kernels, and salsa to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with avocado slices and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Serve in colorful bowls with avocado and extra salsa for a vibrant presentation.
Keyword bell peppers, chicken, quick meal, skillet