Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy a Tex-Mex favorite without the mess! In this recipe, juicy marinated chicken is roasted alongside sweet bell peppers and onions, all seasoned to perfection and baked together in one pan. Not only does it cut down on cleanup, but it’s also fast enough for a busy weeknight meal. With just 10 minutes of prep, these fajitas come together in a snap and deliver amazing flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 3 bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese
Preparation
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. - Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large bowl, add the chicken strips, sliced bell peppers, and onion. - Season Everything
Drizzle the olive oil, lime juice, fajita seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the seasoning. - Spread on the Sheet Pan
Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetables in an even layer across the sheet pan, ensuring the pieces are spread out for even roasting. - Bake the Fajitas
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. For a bit of char, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end. - Warm the Tortillas
Wrap the tortillas in foil and place them in the oven for the last 5 minutes of baking to warm them. - Serve
Remove from the oven and serve the chicken and veggies on the warmed tortillas. Top with your favorite fajita toppings like cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or shredded cheese.
Variations
- Spicy Fajitas: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu, and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the fajita mix over a bed of greens or with cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken Options: Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier result.
- Timing: Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Thinly slicing it ensures it cooks at the same rate as the peppers and onions.
- Seasoning: You can use a store-bought fajita seasoning or make your own by combining equal parts chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these fajitas with Mexican rice, black beans, or a side of corn on the cob for a complete meal.
- Offer a topping bar with bowls of shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and other Tex-Mex favorites so everyone can customize their fajitas.
Tips
- Marinating for Extra Flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and lime juice for up to 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Crowd-Size Recipe: For a larger group, double the ingredients and use two sheet pans, rotating them halfway through cooking.
- Reheating Leftovers: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make these sheet pan fajitas ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and vegetables with the seasoning and store in the fridge for up to 12 hours. When ready to serve, simply spread on a sheet pan and bake.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have fajita seasoning?
A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika makes a great homemade alternative.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover fajita filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious, low-mess dinner on the table fast. Packed with vibrant colors, juicy chicken, and customizable toppings, these fajitas are sure to become a go-to meal!