1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking once you place the rollups in the oven.
2. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dry spice mix: chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
3. Lay the chicken cutlets down on a clean working surface. Sprinkle the spice mix generously over the chicken fillets, ensuring they are coated evenly. This will infuse the meat with flavor.
4. Next, place 6 slices of the colorful bell peppers in the center of each chicken fillet. You can mix the colors for a vibrant presentation.
5. Roll each fillet tightly, keeping the seam side down, and secure it with a toothpick to hold everything in place. If any spices remain on the cutting board, feel free to sprinkle them over the top of the rolls for extra flavor.
6. In a large, heavy oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking, which will create a nice golden crust on the chicken.
7. Carefully place the rollups in the heated pan, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Watch for that lovely crispy exterior, which adds texture.
8. Once they are golden, remove the pan from the heat. If your pan is oven-safe, you can place it directly in the oven. If not, transfer the rollups to a baking sheet.
9. Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bell peppers are charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
10. When done, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with your favorite sides like veggies, rice, or tortillas and enjoy every bite!
