Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe: Fiesta in a Flash

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier with this sheet pan chicken fajitas marvel that brings zesty Mexican flavors straight to your kitchen.

Colorful bell peppers and tender chicken strips dance together on a single pan, creating minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Spices weave magic through each ingredient, promising a meal that satisfies without complicated techniques.

Quick marinating tricks ensure every bite bursts with robust seasonings and smoky undertones.

Simplicity meets deliciousness in this one-pan wonder that streamlines your cooking process.

Juicy chicken, caramelized peppers, and crisp onions await you, ready to become your new weeknight dinner obsession.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when comfort and convenience call.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Make Dinner Cleanup a Breeze

  • Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up delicious fajitas in just 30 minutes with minimal kitchen cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner solutions.
  • Healthy One-Pan Wonder: Pack your meal with lean protein from chicken and vibrant bell peppers, delivering a nutritious dinner that requires minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor punch.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-style meal without spending tons of money, making this recipe a wallet-friendly option for feeding the whole family.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by switching proteins, adding different spices, or including various toppings to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

Chicken Fajitas Sheet Pan Mix

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the main base of the fajitas, best when fresh and sliced into even strips for consistent cooking.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture, mix red, green, and yellow peppers for visual appeal and balanced flavor.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Blend of spices creating a deep, complex Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste and adding mild heat.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and promotes even roasting of chicken and vegetables.
  • Lime: Adds bright, fresh citrus note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Serving Components:
  • Tortillas: Soft, warm vessel for serving the fajita mixture, can be flour or corn based on preference.
Optional Toppings:
  • Favorite Toppings: Such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro to customize the dish.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Meal Prep Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a sheet pan and cover it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine:
  • Olive oil
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Toss in sliced chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions.

Massage the seasoning into every morsel until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the seasoned mixture across your prepared sheet pan in an even layer.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let it sizzle for 20-25 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, give everything a quick stir to ensure even roasting.

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Add Zesty Finish

Pull the pan from the oven and brighten the flavors with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Gently toss to distribute the citrusy goodness.

Serve your sizzling fajitas nestled in warm tortillas, inviting friends and family to pile on their favorite toppings.

Easy Weeknight Tips for Chicken Fajita Sheet Pan Dinners

  • Let chicken marinate in the spice mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking to enhance deeper, more robust taste profiles.
  • Pat bell peppers and onions dry with paper towels before mixing with oil and spices to ensure better caramelization and crisp edges.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes and chili powder according to your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice experience.
  • Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs without compromising the delicious seasoning blend.
  • Double the recipe and store extra servings in airtight containers for quick meal prep throughout the week, maintaining fresh flavor and texture.

Reheat Chicken Fajitas Without Drying

  • Store leftover fajitas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap cooled fajitas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, where they'll stay good for up to 2 months.
  • Spread fajitas on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
  • Place fajitas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to maintain moisture and even temperature.

Sides for Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

  • Pair Zesty Mexican-Style Margaritas: Blend classic lime margaritas with fresh tequila, complementing the citrusy lime in the fajitas and cutting through the rich, spicy flavors.
  • Enhance Flavor with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the spicy chicken and provide a cool contrast to the warm, seasoned dish.
  • Create Vibrant Guacamole Side: Prepare fresh guacamole with ripe avocados, diced onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add creamy texture and bright, tangy notes that match the fajita seasonings.
  • Select Robust Red Wine Pairing: Opt for a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Malbec with fruity undertones that can stand up to the bold spices and smoky peppers in the sheet pan fajitas.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas with Optional Add-Ons

  • Vegetarian Fajitas: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms sliced into strips for a plant-based protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Version: Skip tortillas and serve fajita mixture over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter meal.
  • Spicy Southwest Alternative: Add diced jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes for extra heat, and include a sprinkle of chipotle powder to intensify the smoky flavor profile.

FAQs

  • How do I slice the chicken and vegetables for even cooking?

Cut chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick strips and slice bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks uniformly and prevents some ingredients from burning while others remain undercooked.

  • Can I use frozen bell peppers or chicken?

Fresh ingredients are recommended for best results. Frozen vegetables and chicken release more moisture, which can make your fajitas soggy and prevent proper caramelization. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.

  • What if I don't have all the spices listed in the recipe?

You can substitute with a pre-made fajita seasoning blend found in most grocery stores. If you’re missing specific spices, focus on having chili powder and cumin as your base, which provide the classic fajita flavor profile.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece to ensure there’s no pink and juices run clear.

Print
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling sheet pan chicken fajitas bring Mexican-inspired magic to dinner tables with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Colorful bell peppers, tender chicken, and zesty seasonings create a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into thin strips

Vegetables:

  • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
  • 1 large red onion, sliced

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime

Serving (Optional):

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of oil, then heat the oven to a precise 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking conditions.
  2. Create a robust marinade by whisking together olive oil, aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes in a generously sized mixing bowl.
  3. Incorporate thinly sliced chicken strips, vibrantly colored bell peppers, and sliced onions into the seasoning mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly and evenly coated with the zesty spice blend.
  4. Distribute the marinated ingredients across the prepared sheet pan, arranging them in a single layer to promote even roasting and maximum flavor development.
  5. Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and thorough chicken cooking.
  6. Once the chicken reaches a perfect golden hue and the vegetables exhibit a tender, slightly caramelized texture, remove the pan from the oven.
  7. Brighten the dish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice, gently tossing the ingredients to incorporate the citrusy notes and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  8. Serve the sizzling fajitas immediately, nestled within warm tortillas and accompanied by an array of preferred garnishes such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Toss chicken and veggies thoroughly in seasoning to ensure every bite bursts with flavor and even cooking.
  • Use different colored bell peppers for vibrant presentation and varied nutrient profile, making the dish visually appealing and healthier.
  • For low-carb version, replace tortillas with lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to retain juiciness and prevent drying out, ensuring tender and succulent meat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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