Chicken Fajita Sheet Pan Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the savor of homemade chicken fajitas sizzling right out of the oven—think vibrant bell peppers, tender strips of chicken, and warm tortillas that all come together in a burst of flavor that hits all the right notes. Let’s dive into a recipe that’s bound to be a hit at your next gathering! 🌶️🎉

This Chicken Fajita Sheet Pan recipe is a colorful combo of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, sliced red onion, and well-seasoned chicken strips. The heart-healthy olive oil in this dish makes it even more nutritious.

And it’s satisfying to boot. The flavor is off the charts.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: High in protein; low in fat; essential for muscle growth.
• Red, Yellow, Green Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C; provide sweetness; vibrant color.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor; contains antioxidants.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats; supports heart health; enhances flavor.
• Chili Powder: Adds spicy, smoky kick; boosts metabolism.
• Garlic Powder: Provides depth of flavor; supports immune function.
• Lime Juice: Adds tanginess; high in vitamin C; aids digestion.
• Fresh Cilantro: Fresh, herbal notes; contains antioxidants; enhances dish aroma.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: warm tortillas, salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, for serving

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to bake at 400°F (200°C).

2. In a big basin, mix up the chicken breast cut into strips, the red and yellow and the green bell peppers, and the sliced red onion.

3. Lightly coat all pieces in the mixture with olive oil, drizzling it over to achieve an even distribution.

4. In a tiny bowl, blend the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

5. Disperse the spice mix over the chicken and vegetables, tossing them vigorously so that they are evenly coated.

6. Distribute the well-flavored chicken and vegetables uniformly on a large sheet pan, making sure they form a single layer.

7. Put the sheet pan in the oven that has been preheated and roast for 20-25 minutes—or thereabouts—until the chicken has cooked all the way through and is not at all pink in the middle, nor are any of the other parts of the chicken. Also, the vegetables should be tender and not at all crunchy. You should stir the contents of the sheet pan once halfway through cooking.

8. After cooking, take the sheet pan from the oven and drizzle the chicken and the vegetables with the lime juice.

9. Add a burst of color and flavor with fresh cilantro garnish.

10. Present the chicken fajitas at a warm temperature. On the side, offer the following optional accompaniments:

Tortillas
Salsa
Sour cream
Avocado slices

Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Baking sheet (large sheet pan)
9. Tongs or spoon (for tossing)
10. Citrus juicer or reamer (for lime juice)

FAQ

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?Indeed, chicken thighs can serve as a substitute for breasts, providing a juicier option. Maintain the same cooking duration.
• How can I make this dish spicier?Mix in cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños, if you like it really hot.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time?Certainly, the vegetables and chicken can be sliced, mixed with seasoning, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before being baked.
• Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with strips of tofu or substitute more bell peppers.
• What other toppings go well with these fajitas?Think about including cheese, lettuce, or pickled jalapeños to pack even more flavor into these meals.
• Can I freeze the leftovers?Absolutely! Put the cooked fajitas in an airtight container and freeze them for not longer than 2 months. Before you serve them, let thaw and reheat until piping hot.
• How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?Make sure the oven is completely preheated and spread the components in one layer on the sheet pan.

Chicken Fajita Sheet Pan Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Orange or poblano peppers can be used for a different flavor profile when making stuffed bell peppers.
Avocado Oil: Substitute for olive oil and enjoy the same amount of healthy monounsaturated fat.
Chili Powder: Substitute with chipotle powder to create a smokier heat.
Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice when that fruit is unavailable.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Boost For even more flavor, marinate the chicken strips in the spice mix along with olive oil and lime juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the chicken absorb the spices better.

2. Charred Effect To add a hint of smoky flavor, broil the fajitas for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to achieve a slight char on the edges of the vegetables and chicken.

3. Preheat the Pan Place the empty sheet pan in the oven while it preheats. This helps to sear the chicken and vegetables quickly once they are spread on the hot pan, improving the texture.

4. Even Slicing Ensure all chicken and vegetables are sliced evenly. This allows for uniform cooking and prevents some pieces from being over- or under-cooked.

5. Rest Before Serving Let the cooked fajitas rest for a couple of minutes after adding lime juice. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.