Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

$- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips - 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow), sliced into thin strips - 1 medium red onion, sliced into half-moons - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Juice of ½ lime The main ingredients are simple yet packed with flavor. The chicken breasts serve as the base protein, while bell peppers and red onion add sweetness and color. Garlic brings a lovely aroma, and spices like chili powder and cumin give that authentic fajita taste. The olive oil helps everything roast well and keeps the dish juicy. - Tortillas (flour or corn) for serving - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish For serving, you can use warm tortillas to wrap the fajita mix. Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch and a burst of flavor. You can also add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to personalize your meal. These extras make the dish even more fun and tasty! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key to getting nice, crispy edges on the chicken and veggies. While the oven heats up, grab a large baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. This makes cleanup a breeze later. In a big mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Make sure to cut the veggies into similar sizes for even cooking. Next, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. This helps the spices stick. Then, sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Squeeze the juice of ½ lime into the bowl. Toss everything well so the flavors mix together and coat the chicken and veggies. Now, transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into a single layer. This helps it roast instead of steam. Bake it in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, stir the mixture gently. This ensures even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the veggies should be soft and slightly caramelized. Once you take the baking sheet out of the oven, let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. For a fresh kick, add a final squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Serve the hot fajita mix in warm tortillas. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! To make great fajitas, ensure even cooking. Cut the chicken and veggies into similar sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Use a big bowl to mix everything well. A good mix means each piece gets flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Spread the chicken and veggies out in a single layer. If you pile them up, they will steam instead of roast. This can lead to soggy fajitas. Use two pans if you need more space. Store leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can put them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, heat them in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You can swap out the chicken if you like. Try shrimp or steak for a different taste. If you want a veggie option, use mushrooms or tofu instead. For the veggies, you can change the bell peppers. Use zucchini or corn for a new texture. Adjust the spices too. Add more chili powder for heat or lime for brightness. This keeps your fajitas fresh and fun! Pro Tips Uniform Slicing: Ensure that all chicken and vegetable pieces are sliced to a similar thickness for even cooking and consistent texture. Marinate for Flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken and vegetables for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor profile. Roasting Temperature: Keep an eye on your oven temperature; higher heat promotes better caramelization and a slight char on the veggies for added depth. Serving Suggestions: Complement the fajitas with a variety of toppings such as diced avocado, salsa, or shredded cheese for a personalized touch. {{image_4}} You can easily switch proteins in this recipe. Shrimp makes a great choice. The shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Just toss it in with the veggies and spices. Steak is another option. Use flank or sirloin for the best flavor. Slice it thin, and it will cook well on the sheet pan. If you want to skip meat, try a veggie mix. Use beans or tofu for a hearty meal. Feel free to change the veggies based on the season. Use zucchini or corn in summer. In fall, add butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Adding more colors makes the meal fun and healthy. Use green bell peppers, carrots, or even purple cabbage. Each veggie adds different nutrients and flavors, making your fajitas even better. You can make your fajitas more exciting with spices. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat. Or, add oregano for a fresh taste. Sauces can also add zing. Drizzle some hot sauce or a tangy dressing on top before serving. This extra touch makes your dish pop with flavor! A serving of sheet pan chicken fajitas packs a tasty punch with about 350 calories. Each serving has around 30 grams of protein, which helps build strong muscles. The meal also contains about 15 grams of fat, mostly from healthy olive oil. You get around 30 grams of carbs, which provide energy. - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30g - Fat: 15g - Carbohydrates: 30g This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals. You get a good amount of vitamin C from the bell peppers and onions. It also has potassium, which is great for heart health. The garlic adds antioxidants, which help fight off illness. Chicken is a lean protein source. It helps keep you full and supports muscle growth. Pairing it with bell peppers and onions adds fiber and vitamins. - Chicken: Low in fat, high in protein - Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C, good for skin health - Onions: Packed with antioxidants, supports heart health The spices in this dish also offer health perks. Chili powder may boost metabolism. Cumin can aid digestion, while smoked paprika adds flavor and contains vitamins. These spices enhance taste while providing health benefits. To make your fajitas crispy, follow these tips: - Use thin strips of chicken and vegetables. This helps them cook faster and crisp up. - Spread the mixture on the baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents steaming. - Bake at 425°F (220°C) for the best results. High heat gives a nice char. - Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Yes, you can make chicken fajitas ahead of time. Here’s how: - Prepare the chicken and veggies as directed. - Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready, bake them as per the recipe. - If you have leftovers, cool them down before storing. You can serve chicken fajitas with: - Warm tortillas, either flour or corn. - Side dishes like rice or beans for added protein. - Fresh toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. - A side salad for some crunch and freshness. Leftovers last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To store them safely: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. - Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Making sheet pan chicken fajitas is simple and fun. You learned about the key ingredients, like chicken, colorful veggies, and spices. I shared easy steps for prepping, baking, and serving. Tips for perfecting your fajitas and storing leftovers make cooking even easier. In the end, you can enjoy different flavors and variations. Use what you have and make it your own. Now, gather your family and friends, and enjoy a delicious meal together!$

Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring chicken and vegetables roasted to perfection, served in warm tortillas.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 whole bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow), sliced into thin strips
1 medium red onion, sliced into half-moons
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.5 whole lime, juiced
to taste none fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
as needed none tortillas (flour or corn) for serving

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil for easy cleanup.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Ensure all the vegetables are sliced roughly the same size for uniform cooking.
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, ensuring it covers all the ingredients. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lime juice. Toss thoroughly until all the chicken and vegetables are well-coated with the oil and spices, ensuring every piece is infused with flavor.
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this allows for better roasting and enhances the sizzling effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, stir the mixture gently to promote even cooking. The chicken should be fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
When done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For an extra burst of citrus flavor, give it a final squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
Serve the sizzling fajita mixture encased in warm tortillas, along with optional toppings such as creamy sour cream, zesty guacamole, or tangy salsa to add layers of flavor. Enjoy your vibrant meal!

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, fajitas, sheet pan