### Chicken Fajita Tray Bake with Mexican Beans: A Flavorful Meal
#### Introduction:
Chicken fajitas combined with a flavorful mix of beans make for an impressive meal that is both delicious and easy to prepare. This recipe features marinated chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, and onions baked together on a tray. The result? A vibrant and tasty traybake perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
#### Ingredients:
**For the Chicken Fajitas:**
- 400g boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
**For the Mexican Beans:**
- 400g canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400ml) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander or cilantro, chopped
**For Assembly & Garnish:**
- Tortillas
- Cheese (optional)
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh salsa
- Lime wedges
#### Instructions:
##### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours.
##### Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
1. **Cut the Bell Peppers and Onions:** Wash and slice the bell peppers into strips. Slice the onions thinly.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables (Optional):** Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sauté for 5 minutes until soft, then add the bell peppers and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are slightly softened.
##### Step 3: Assemble the Tray Bake
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. **Arrange Ingredients on a Baking Sheet:** Place the marinated chicken in a single layer across one half of the baking sheet.
3. **Add Vegetables and Seasonings:** Spread the sautéed vegetables over the chicken, then add the minced garlic evenly distributed throughout.
##### Step 4: Bake the Chicken Fajitas
1. **Bake for 25-30 Minutes:** Place in the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 74°C or 165°F).
2. **Check for Doneness:** Use a fork to check if the chicken easily separates, ensuring it's fully cooked.
##### Step 5: Prepare the Mexican Beans
1. **Cook the Beans:** In a pan, combine the drained kidney beans and diced tomatoes with cumin and chili powder.
2. **Simmer:** Bring to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until heated through.
#### Serving:
- Serve the baked chicken fajitas hot, garnished with cheese if desired.
- Pair with Mexican beans, tortillas, sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh salsa for dipping.
- Sprinkle some chopped coriander or cilantro on top to enhance the flavor.
#### Conclusion:
This Chicken Fajita Tray Bake with Mexican Beans is a delightful meal that combines the flavors of classic fajitas with the richness of bean-based side dishes. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights, this dish offers a satisfying and healthy option. Enjoy your cooking!