Zesty Chicken Fajitas Recipe: The Simple Sheet Pan Dinner Bursting with Bold Flavors

If you’re looking for a meal that delivers on flavor without the hassle, this Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe is the perfect solution! Imagine juicy strips of seasoned chicken paired with colorful bell peppers and onions, all roasted to tender perfection. The best part? It’s all done on a single pan, making both prep and cleanup a breeze.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first stumbled across this recipe from Insanely Good Recipes, and ever since, it’s been a favorite in my kitchen. The fajitas are not only delicious but quick to make, which is ideal for those hectic evenings when you need a meal on the table fast. And the smoky, zesty flavors? Absolutely irresistible!

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a modern twist on a classic Mexican dish, where everything is cooked in the oven instead of a stovetop skillet. This makes the recipe more approachable for busy home cooks, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the oven does the work. The fresh lime juice and cilantro added at the end bring a bright finish, while optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa let everyone customize their fajitas to their liking.

Let’s dive into the details of how to make this flavorful dish!

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas:

• 1 1⁄2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), cored and sliced into strips
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 8-10 small flour tortillas

Optional toppings:

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Shredded cheese

Fajita Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions for Making Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a large sheet pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Fajita Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together all the fajita seasoning ingredients.
3. Toss the Chicken and Veggies: On the sheet pan, combine the sliced chicken, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the top. Toss well to ensure all the pieces are coated with the flavorful seasoning.
4. Bake: Spread the chicken and vegetables into an even layer on the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Warm the Tortillas: During the last 5 minutes of baking, wrap the tortillas in foil and place them in the oven to warm up.
6. Finish and Serve: Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with the warmed tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese. Enjoy the vibrant, savory goodness of these fajitas!

Pro Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas:

• Slice the Chicken Properly: Cut the chicken against the grain to keep it tender and juicy.
• Homemade Fajita Seasoning: This simple mix of spices adds depth and ensures your fajitas are bursting with authentic flavor.
• Sheet Pan Cleanup Hack: Toss everything right on the sheet pan, saving you from extra dishes.
• Fresh Finishing Touches: Don’t skip the lime juice and cilantro—these fresh elements brighten the entire dish and balance out the smoky spices.

A Quick History of Fajitas:

Fajitas have their roots in Tex-Mex cuisine, combining traditional Mexican flavors with American-style presentation. Originally made with skirt steak, fajitas were a working-class meal for ranch hands in Texas. Over time, the dish has evolved, with chicken, shrimp, and even vegetarian versions becoming popular. The word "fajita" actually refers to the type of meat cut, but today it’s all about the sizzling combination of meat, peppers, and onions wrapped in warm tortillas.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for extra vegetables like zucchini or portobello mushrooms.
• Low-Carb Fajitas: Serve with lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
• Spicy Version: Add more cayenne pepper or top with spicy jalapeños for extra heat.

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