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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a simple and delicious way to get dinner on the table without fuss. Everything cooks together on one pan, making preparation and cleanup a breeze. This recipe captures the smoky, savory flavors of traditional fajitas with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables roasted to perfection. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight and it became a regular in our house. The kids love building their own fajitas and it always feels like a special dinner with very little effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: cut into strips for tender, quick cooking protein
- Bell peppers: in multiple colors for sweetness and vibrant texture
- Yellow onion: sliced to add savory sweetness and depth
- Olive oil: to help roast the chicken and vegetables evenly
- Fresh garlic: minced to infuse rich aroma and flavor
- Fajita seasoning: made with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and dried herbs to bring authentic fajita taste making your own lets you control the salt and spices
- Fresh lime juice: for a bright finish that balances the smoky spices
- Cilantro: fresh and optional, adds a burst of freshness and color
- Warm flour tortillas: to hold all the delicious filling
Instructions
- Slicing the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Cut the chicken breasts into even strips against the grain so the meat stays tender. Slice bell peppers and onions into similar sized strips to ensure even cooking. Keeping the pieces uniform helps everything roast perfectly together.
- Mixing the Fajita Seasoning:
- Combine chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This blend gives the signature smoky and spicy flavor that makes fajitas so irresistible.
- Coating the Chicken and Veggies:
- Place the sliced vegetables on a large sheet pan and put the chicken strips on top. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning generously over the chicken and a bit over the vegetables. Add the minced garlic on top and drizzle olive oil evenly to coat everything. This step ensures every bite is flavorful and juicy.
- Tossing and Spreading Out:
- Use your hands or a spatula to toss the mixture thoroughly, making sure the seasoning and oil cover all pieces. Spread everything out in a single layer on the pan. Crowding the pan leads to steaming instead of roasting, so give everything space.
- Baking to Perfection:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees for safety. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Finishing Touches and Serving:
- Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and vegetables and sprinkle chopped cilantro if you like. Serve with warm flour tortillas and your preferred sides or toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce.
I especially love the fajita seasoning blend for this dish. It took me a few tries to get the balance right, but that smoky cumin and paprika combo with just a touch of chili powder is what really elevates this recipe. A friend once told me fajitas are not just food, but a way to bring people together, and I find that so true every time we gather around the table for this meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cooked fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on a stovetop skillet until heated through. Keep tortillas separate and warm them fresh to avoid sogginess.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken breast for thighs if you prefer juicier meat. Use different colored bell peppers or add sliced mushrooms for variety. Corn tortillas can replace flour tortillas for a gluten free option. If you do not have fresh lime, a splash of vinegar can provide acidity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Add fresh salsa or pico de gallo for an extra burst of flavor. Pair with a refreshing horchata or cold cerveza on warm days.
These sheet pan chicken fajitas make weeknight dinners easy and flavorful. Enjoy with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What is the best way to slice chicken for tenderness?
Slicing chicken against the grain helps ensure it stays tender and juicy after cooking.
- → Can I use other vegetables besides bell peppers?
Yes, onions, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes complement the chicken well when roasted together.
- → What temperature should the oven be set to for roasting?
Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly and caramelize the vegetables.
- → How can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Pre-slice the chicken and vegetables and mix the seasoning in advance, then store separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- → Is it possible to freeze the ingredients before cooking?
Yes, raw chicken and vegetables can be seasoned and frozen in ziplock bags for up to 2-3 months, then thawed before roasting.