Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are truly the ultimate way to enjoy fajita night! Imagine perfectly charred, juicy chicken, vibrant, tender-crisp vegetables, and all your favorite toppings, all coming together with minimal effort and cleanup. This recipe simplifies a beloved Mexican-inspired dish, transforming it into a convenient, delicious meal perfect for any weeknight.
Author’s Notes
The Ultimate Oven Fajitas: Simplified & Delicious!
Whenever my family and I head out for Mexican food, I always try to explore new dishes. Yet, almost without fail, I find myself circling back to my all-time favorite: fajitas! Whether it’s classic chicken fajitas, savory steak fajitas, or zesty shrimp fajitas, if it’s sizzling, I want it on my plate.
My love for fajitas extends to my kitchen at home, where I regularly whip them up using various methods. Over the years, I’ve shared recipes for incredibly easy crockpot fajitas, quick air fryer fajitas, and flavorful grilled fajitas. But there was one version I was determined to perfect: the oven-baked fajita. And even better, I wanted to create a recipe that was entirely cooked on a single sheet pan, minimizing cleanup without compromising on flavor.
Achieving the perfect balance of tender chicken with that desirable char, alongside perfectly roasted vegetables, took a few dedicated attempts. However, the process I developed works seamlessly. You cook the chicken first, then prepare the vegetables, and everything finishes baking together, creating a harmonious and incredibly tasty meal. The chicken emerges wonderfully tender with beautiful, slightly blackened edges – a feat that isn’t always easy to achieve in a conventional oven, but entirely possible with the right technique!
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
This recipe isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a game-changer for several reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to multiple pans and constant stirring. Everything cooks on one sheet pan, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.
- Incredible Flavor & Texture: The combination of baking and broiling creates chicken that’s juicy on the inside and perfectly charred on the outside, alongside vibrant, tender-crisp vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference and pile on your favorite fajita toppings for a personalized meal every time.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and plenty of colorful vegetables, this dish is a nutritious option for the whole family.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers store beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. While the full recipe card is provided below, here are some key notes on the components that make these fajitas truly outstanding:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken | For the juiciest, most flavorful fajitas that achieve a great char, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended. Chicken breasts can be used but require a slightly different preparation method to ensure even cooking and prevent them from drying out. |
| Bell Peppers & Onions | A colorful mix of bell peppers (red, orange, yellow, and green) not only adds visual appeal but also diverse flavors. Slice them to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness, along with the red onions, to ensure they roast evenly and become tender-crisp. |
| Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar | Using a good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar is crucial. They contribute a rich depth of flavor and help achieve that desirable caramelized exterior on both the chicken and vegetables. |
| Spice Blend | Our carefully balanced spice blend includes smoked paprika for an authentic smoky flavor, chili powder for warmth (which can be adjusted for less heat), ground cumin for earthy notes, and a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a robust and irresistible fajita seasoning. |
Quick Tip: Choosing the Right Sheet Pan
Selecting the Best Sheet Pan for Fajitas
Your sheet pan choice is more important than you might think for achieving perfectly roasted fajitas:
- Use a Large Baking Sheet (Half Sheet Pan, 13″ x 18″): Ample space is essential. Overcrowding the pan will cause ingredients to steam instead of roast, preventing that beautiful char.
- Pick One with Edges (Rimmed Pan): A rimmed baking sheet is a must to keep all the delicious juices and seasonings contained, preventing spills in your oven.
- Thick and Sturdy: Opt for a heavy-gauge, durable pan that won’t warp or bend under high heat, ensuring even cooking.
Pro Tips for Making Perfect Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Achieving restaurant-quality fajitas at home, especially with the convenience of a single sheet pan, comes down to a few key techniques. Follow these tips for consistently delicious results:
- Give Everything Space: This is arguably the most crucial tip. When arranging your chicken and later your vegetables on the sheet pan, ensure they are spread out in a single layer with some space between pieces. This allows the hot air to circulate, promoting roasting and charring rather than steaming. If your pan is too small, use two!
- Let the Chicken Rest: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and succulent chicken.
- Line the Pan with Foil: For significantly easier cleanup, always line your sheet pan with aluminum foil. The foil catches all the delicious drippings and charred bits, making post-dinner tidying up a breeze.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, gently pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the seasoning from adhering properly and inhibit the development of a crispy, charred exterior.
- Warm the Tortillas: Don’t skip this step! Warm tortillas are softer, more pliable, and much more enjoyable. You can warm them in a dry skillet, wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave, or briefly char them over an open flame for extra flavor.
- Master the Broiler: The broiler is your secret weapon for that authentic fajita char. Keep a close eye on your chicken and veggies during the broiling stage, as ovens vary, and things can go from perfectly charred to burnt very quickly.
Storage Tips
Making the Most of Your Leftover Fajitas
Fajitas make fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prepping!
- Fridge Storage: Store cooked chicken and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This separation helps maintain their individual textures and flavors.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This method helps maintain a slight crispness. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, though the texture might be softer.
- Tortillas & Toppings: Always store tortillas and any fresh toppings (like avocado, sour cream, or salsa) separately. Assemble your fajitas fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best experience.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Chelsea Lords
20 minutes
35 minutes
55 minutes
4 servings
Equipment
- Half sheet pan (13″ x 18″) plus foil
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs see note 1
- 4 bell peppers I use red, orange, yellow, & green, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 red onions peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 4 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Toppings as desired see note 2
- 3-1/2 teaspoons chili powder divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin divided
- 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder divided
- 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2-1/2 teaspoons salt divided
- 1-3/4 teaspoons pepper divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 2 tsp salt, 1-1/2 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil, and 4 tsp balsamic vinegar. Add the dried chicken thighs to this mixture and toss with a spatula until each piece is well-coated. Arrange the seasoned chicken flat on the prepared sheet pan, ensuring pieces are smooth-side up and not bunched together. Leave some space between them to promote even charring.
- Bake the chicken for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Carefully move your oven rack so it’s about 8 inches from the broiler element. Switch your oven setting to broil (you don’t need to wait for it to preheat). Place the tray back into the oven under the broiler. Broil for 7–9 minutes, watching closely to ensure the chicken develops a beautiful blackened and caramelized exterior without burning. Once done, remove the pan and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for juicy results. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or cubes as desired. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a bright finish, if preferred. Discard the foil from the sheet pan.
- While the chicken rests, switch your oven heat to 500°F (260°C). Add the sliced bell peppers and red onions to the same mixing bowl you used for the chicken (no need to wash it!). Add 1-1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss everything with a spatula until the vegetables are thoroughly coated. Transfer the seasoned vegetables to the now-empty sheet pan (or a fresh one if you prefer), spreading them out evenly in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, continuing to watch closely to prevent burning and achieve a slight char.
- Serve your hot, delicious Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas immediately with warm tortillas and all your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Note 2: The best fajita experience is all about the toppings! Great options include creamy avocado slices, fresh guacamole, cool sour cream or Mexican crema, shredded cheese (like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), vibrant pico de gallo or salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
To Warm Tortillas: For soft tortillas, microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds, or toast them lightly in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. For a slightly charred effect, spray them lightly with cooking spray, then use tongs to hold each tortilla over a low gas flame for a few seconds per side until lightly blackened in spots.
Storage: Store cooked chicken, roasted veggies, and prepared toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Nutrition
Calories: 627kcal |
Carbohydrates: 19g |
Protein: 34g |
Fat: 42g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 13g |
Cholesterol: 94mg |
Sodium: 69mg |
Potassium: 703mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 1513IU |
Vitamin C: 62mg |
Calcium: 25mg |
Iron: 0.75mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Toppings & Serving Suggestions for Chicken Fajitas
No fajita meal is complete without a generous array of fresh and creamy toppings. These additions enhance the flavor and texture, turning a simple meal into a festive feast. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Tortillas: The classic vehicle! Choose between warm flour tortillas for softness or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. For an authentic touch, briefly char them over an open flame. Alternatively, for a lower-carb option, serve your fajitas over a bed of fluffy white rice or in crisp lettuce wraps.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy, rich avocado slices or a spoonful of homemade guacamole add a delightful texture and help cool down any heat from the spices. It’s a must-have for a balanced fajita experience.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool sour cream or a healthier alternative like plain Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast to the savory, spiced chicken and vegetables.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar, melty Monterey Jack, or a convenient Mexican blend, adds a savory, salty kick that pairs perfectly with fajitas.
- Pico de Gallo or Salsa: Freshly made pico de gallo or your favorite salsa adds a burst of fresh flavor, acidity, and a touch of juiciness. Consider a corn salsa for sweetness or a pineapple salsa for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Fresh Cilantro and Lime Wedges: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens the dish, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love extra heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can take your fajitas to the next level.
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Ideas:
If you enjoyed these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas, you’ll love exploring more of our easy and flavorful chicken recipes:
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