Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are super fun and easy to make! Just toss chicken, colorful peppers, and onions on a tray, season them, and let the oven do the work.
It’s a one-pan meal, which means less mess for you! I love serving these with warm tortillas and a sprinkle of cheese. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. If you need a change, use thighs for more flavor or even try shrimp for a seafood twist.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and green peppers gives great color and sweetness. You can swap them for any other color bell pepper or even use zucchini or mushrooms for a different texture.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano create a lovely blend. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, but you’ll miss that smoky depth.
Olive Oil: This enhances the flavors and helps with cooking. Any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil can be a good substitute if needed.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a great garnish, but if you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can provide a fresh touch instead.
How Can I Make Sure Everything is Well Cooked and Flavored?
The key to great sheet pan fajitas is ensuring that every bite is flavorful. Here are some tips to help you:
- Cut chicken and veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking. Thin slices work best.
- Don’t skip the tossing step! Make sure everything is well-coated in oil and spices; it helps evenly distribute the flavor.
- Use parchment paper on your sheet pan. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Keep an eye on your oven. Cooking times can vary slightly, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Tortillas (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a tasty and colorful meal ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot for roasting the fajitas.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add your sliced chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. This is where all the flavors will come together!
3. Add the Olive Oil:
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and vegetables in the bowl. This will help everything cook evenly and keep it moist.
4. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture adds wonderful flavor to your fajitas!
5. Combine Everything:
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and veggies. Now, toss everything together until all the pieces are well coated with oil and spices. It’s okay to get your hands in there!
6. Spread on a Sheet Pan:
Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly on the pan. Make sure it’s in a single layer for even cooking.
7. Bake the Fajitas:
Pop the sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender and have nice char marks.
8. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and give everything a gentle toss to mix it up. Then, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious chicken fajitas with lime wedges and warm tortillas on the side. Everyone can build their own fajitas just the way they like them. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. If using sturdier vegetables, like carrots, consider slicing them thinner or pre-cooking them for a few minutes.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute! They will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Store Leftover Fajitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of oil if needed to revive the flavors. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time! Chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken in the spices and oil, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just spread it out on the sheet pan and bake as directed.
