These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a fun and easy dinner made with juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and onions all roasted together. Just season, bake, and enjoy!
Talk about a flavor party on a tray! 🎉 I love how the veggies get sweet and tender, and the chicken is always a winner in my book. Plus, clean-up is a breeze!
For the perfect meal, serve these fajitas with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings. I always keep some guacamole handy for that extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you want to try something different, chicken thighs will give a juicier result. You could also swap in tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even melted coconut oil. Each will bring its own twist!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika make a fantastic flavor combo. If you want less heat, swap some chili powder for paprika or skip it altogether. Italian seasoning can also be a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green adds great flavor and color. You can use any color you like or even throw in other veggies such as zucchini or mushrooms. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge!
Tortillas: Flour and corn tortillas are great for serving. For a gluten-free option, look for corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a lighter choice.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy and the Veggies Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking everything on one sheet pan makes it easy, but timing is key for juicy chicken and tender veggies. Start by marinating the chicken in the seasoning mix for about 10-15 minutes. This not only flavors the chicken but also helps to tenderize it.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for a nice, hot cooking environment.
- Spread the chicken in a single layer on the pan, followed by the peppers and onions. This ensures even cooking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. If you want a bit of char, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it!
Letting it rest a few minutes after baking helps in keeping the chicken juicy, so resist the urge to dig in right away! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Veggies:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
For Serving:
- Fresh lime wedges
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prep everything and another 20-25 minutes to bake it in the oven. So, you can have delicious Chicken Fajitas ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your fajitas will cook evenly and get that lovely roasted flavor!
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper together. Stir well until you have a nice and smooth marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the bowl and toss it with the marinade, making sure all the chicken pieces are well coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak up those yummy flavors.
4. Arrange on the Sheet Pan:
Take a large sheet pan and spread the marinated chicken in an even layer. Then, add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with the red onion on top of the chicken.
5. Bake:
Now, pop the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F) and the vegetables are nice and tender.
6. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, carefully take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the chicken juicy and delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm chicken and veggies with lime wedges and your choice of tortillas. You can also add any optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado, or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or corn are great additions. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a bit more heat, you can add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the marinade. Alternatively, consider using a spicier salsa as a topping. Adjust the amount until it reaches your desired spice level!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Just make sure to cool the fajitas completely first before transferring to freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute! They have more fat, which can add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through—make sure they also reach at least 165°F internal temperature.
