Honey Lime Baked Chicken Fajitas are a tasty twist on a classic dish! With juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a sweet tangy honey lime sauce, they’re hard to resist.
Making these fajitas is a breeze. Just toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a dinner that smells amazing! I love serving them with warm tortillas and a sprinkle of cheese.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe as they bake quickly and stay juicy. If you want to switch it up, try using chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even turkey breast.
Bell Peppers: The sweet and vibrant bell peppers add color and crunch. You can mix in other veggies like zucchini or corn, or swap in different colors of peppers based on what you have handy.
Honey: Honey gives the dish a lovely sweetness. If you prefer a low-sugar option, maple syrup or agave syrup will work well too. Just adjust the quantity to taste!
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness. If limes aren’t available, you can use lemon juice as a substitute—it will still give you that refreshing zing.
Spices: The chili powder, cumin, and paprika blend nicely for flavor. Feel free to spice it up with cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken and Vegetables Are Cooked Evenly?
Getting your chicken and veggies perfectly cooked is important for great fajitas. Here’s how to do it right:
- Before you start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure quick cooking.
- When mixing the chicken and vegetables, make sure they’re all coated in the marinade. This helps them cook well and adds flavor.
- Spread out the mixture on your baking sheet. Avoid crowding the pan—this helps everything roast instead of steam.
- Stir the ingredients halfway through baking. This ensures both sides of everything get golden brown and cooked through.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) means it’s done!
Honey Lime Baked Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll be ready to feast in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your fajitas will bake evenly and get that nice golden color.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, honey, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined—this will be the tasty marinade for your chicken and veggies!
3. Coat the Chicken and Veggies:
Add the sliced chicken and the bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) along with the red onion to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. You want each piece to soak up all those delicious flavors!
4. Bake the Fajitas:
Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there’s enough space between them for the chicken and veggies to roast nicely. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remember to stir halfway through to ensure even cooking!
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and sliced jalapeños if you like a little heat. Enjoy the fajitas in warm tortillas, or simply on their own!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the bell peppers and onion for other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require slightly different cooking times, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a honey alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup work well. They can provide the same level of sweetness, but if you use maple syrup, note that it may impart a slight flavor difference to the dish. You can also use brown sugar dissolved in a little warm water if you need an alternative.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also add a splash of lime juice to freshen up the flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and veggies with the marinade and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a little more cooking time if they’re coming straight out of the fridge to ensure everything is cooked thoroughly.
