Step 1: Cook the Fajita Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink and slightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and have a nice char. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Season and Combine
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over everything. Squeeze the lime juice over the top. Toss and stir for 1-2 minutes until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated and the seasoning is fragrant. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheese. This helps bind the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Ring Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll both cans of crescent dough. If using triangles, separate them and arrange them on the parchment paper in a large circle, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the pointed ends facing outward, like a sun. There should be a 5-6 inch open circle in the center. Press the seams where the wide ends overlap to seal them together, forming one continuous ring of dough.

Step 4: Add the Filling
Spoon the cooled chicken fajita mixture evenly around the ring of dough, directly on top of the wide, sealed center circle, forming a continuous ring of filling. Be careful to keep it on the dough and not in the center hole.

Step 5: The Art of Braiding
Take each pointed triangle of dough and fold it over the filling, tucking the tip under the inside of the ring to secure it. Continue all the way around until the filling is enclosed and the ring has a beautiful, braided appearance. It’s okay if some filling peeks through.

Step 6: The Golden-Brown Finish
Brush the entire surface of the dough with the beaten egg wash. This will give it a deep, glossy, golden color. Sprinkle the crust with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and a deep, rich golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil for the last 5-10 minutes.

Step 8: Final Cheese and Garnish
Remove the ring from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the exposed filling in the center of the braid. The residual heat will melt it perfectly. Let the ring rest for 5-10 minutes to set before slicing.

Step 9: Serve with a Fiesta of Dips
Carefully transfer the ring (on the parchment) to a large serving platter or board. Place a bowl of guacamole or sour cream in the center hole. Surround with small bowls of spicy ranch, pico de gallo, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm, instructing guests to pull apart segments or slice with a sharp knife.