Description
These Chicken Fajita Melts are a delicious fusion of fajita flavors and melty cheese, sandwiched between buttery toasted bread. Loaded with seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, this quick skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying lunch or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough or sandwich bread)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced bell peppers and onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: Add the cooked chicken breast to the skillet along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices butter-side-down on a clean surface to begin assembling.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On each buttered slice, layer a generous amount of shredded cheese, then a hearty scoop of the chicken fajita mixture, followed by another layer of cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread butter-side-up to complete the sandwich.
- Cook the Melts: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted perfectly.
- Serve Warm: Remove the Chicken Fajita Melts from the skillet, slice them in half if desired, and serve immediately. Optionally, accompany with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Substitute the bread with your favorite variety, like whole wheat or ciabatta, for different textures.
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use spicy pepper jack cheese.
- Butter helps achieve a golden crisp on the bread, but you can use cooking spray as a lighter alternative.
- Serve with fresh sides like a simple salad or tortilla chips for a more complete meal.
