Sheet pan chicken fajitas are a quick, delicious, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe delivers all the bold flavors of traditional fajitas without the hassle of stovetop cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cleanup – Everything cooks on one pan, reducing dishes.
- Quick and Easy – From prep to table in about 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables.
- Customizable – Adjust spices and toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Ingredients – In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Spread on the Sheet Pan – Arrange the mixture in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan to ensure even cooking.
- Bake – Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Lime Juice – Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
- Serve – Warm the tortillas and serve the fajita mixture with your favorite toppings.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap – Use shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Veggie Boost – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Lower Carb Option – Serve with lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Different Spices – Adjust the seasoning to your preference, such as adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze the cooked fajita mixture (without tortillas) for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Marinating the chicken in olive oil and spices helps keep it moist, and removing it from the oven as soon as it’s cooked prevents overcooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice and season the chicken and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
Warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Are corn or flour tortillas better for fajitas?
It’s a personal preference. Corn tortillas are gluten-free and slightly firmer, while flour tortillas are softer and more flexible.
What can I serve with chicken fajitas?
Great sides include Mexican rice, black beans, refried beans, or a simple side salad.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before slicing to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to line the sheet pan?
Lining with parchment paper or foil makes cleanup easier, but it’s not required.
Can I cook this on the grill?
Yes! Use a grill basket or foil packet to prevent small pieces from falling through the grates.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.
Conclusion
Sheet pan chicken fajitas are a fantastic, fuss-free meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With bold flavors, quick prep, and easy cleanup, this recipe is a winner for families and meal preppers alike. Try it out and customize it to make it your own!
PrintEasy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and bold spices, this one-pan recipe is ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Ingredients – In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Spread on the Sheet Pan – Arrange the mixture in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan to ensure even cooking.
- Bake – Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Lime Juice – Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
- Serve – Warm the tortillas and serve the fajita mixture with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Lower Carb Option: Serve with lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Different Spices: Adjust the seasoning to your preference, such as adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sheet Pan, Baking
- Cuisine: mexican inspired
Keywords: chicken fajitas, sheet pan meal, easy fajitas, healthy dinner, quick chicken recipe