These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas deliver classic sizzling flavor without the stovetop mess. Marinated chicken tenders and colorful bell peppers roast together in the oven for a perfectly juicy, caramelized finish — all in under 30 minutes.
Ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this dish is both vibrant and simple. Toss everything together in a bag, let it marinate, and let your oven do the rest. Pair with warm tortillas, avocado, or sour cream for a customizable and crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
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3 bell peppers (any colors), sliced
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1 large onion, sliced
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1 lime, juiced
Directions:
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In a large resealable plastic bag, combine vegetable oil, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add chicken tenders, sliced bell peppers, and onions. Seal and shake well to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil (or grease with nonstick spray).
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Spread the marinated chicken and vegetables evenly across the pan.
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Roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and veggies are tender.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice over the fajitas. Stir gently and serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: A Tex-Mex Classic Made Effortless
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are the perfect example of how traditional flavors can meet modern convenience without compromising on taste. This dish draws on the rich, savory components of Tex-Mex cuisine while embracing a one-pan method that simplifies both cooking and cleanup. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd, this oven-baked version of fajitas has earned its place as a household favorite.
With a medley of bell peppers, tender chicken tenders, bold spices, and a finishing touch of lime and cilantro, these fajitas are as vibrant on the plate as they are on the palate. Their easy preparation, minimal mess, and flavorful payoff make them a top-tier choice for home cooks everywhere.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
At its core, this recipe captures everything that makes fajitas so satisfying: the combination of succulent chicken, smoky spices, and caramelized vegetables wrapped in a warm tortilla. However, the genius lies in the sheet pan method. By baking everything together in one go, you not only reduce time spent in the kitchen but also allow the flavors to blend beautifully as they roast. The juices from the marinated chicken infuse the vegetables during the cooking process, creating a cohesive, mouthwatering dish.
Unlike stovetop fajitas that require constant stirring and multiple pans, the sheet pan method offers a hands-off cooking experience. You simply toss everything together, spread it on a baking tray, and let the oven do the work. This means you can focus on preparing side dishes, setting the table, or just taking a moment to unwind.
The Secret is in the Marinade
What really elevates these fajitas is the spice blend used in the marinade. A mixture of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt creates a deep, smoky base that permeates the chicken and vegetables. Marinating for at least 30 minutes helps tenderize the chicken and infuses every bite with bold flavor. The longer you marinate, the more intense and developed the final taste becomes—making this recipe ideal for prepping ahead of time.
The marinade also brings versatility to the table. You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper, or throw in fresh jalapeños for an added kick. It’s a flexible foundation that can be tailored to suit your spice tolerance and flavor preferences.
A Rainbow of Nutrition
Colorful bell peppers do more than just make the dish Instagram-worthy—they add significant nutritional value. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. When combined with lean chicken breast tenders, you’re getting a balanced meal that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates and saturated fat. It’s a wholesome option for those following clean eating, low-carb, or gluten-free diets.
Additionally, baking instead of frying cuts down on unnecessary oil, making it a healthier cooking method without sacrificing the fajitas’ signature charred edges and smoky essence.
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the best aspects of Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas is how adaptable the recipe is. Want to make it dairy-free? Skip the sour cream or opt for a plant-based version. Need to go low-carb? Serve it over a bed of lettuce or in low-carb tortillas. Entertaining vegetarians or vegans? Replace the chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu and use the same marinade for equally delicious results.
You can also get creative with toppings and sides. From guacamole and shredded cheese to pico de gallo and pickled onions, the options are endless. Warm flour or corn tortillas are the traditional choice, but you could also use wraps, lettuce cups, or even fajita bowls for something different.
This recipe also scales beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients and use multiple sheet pans.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Another huge advantage of this recipe is how well it lends itself to meal prepping. Once cooked, the chicken and vegetables can be stored in airtight containers and refrigerated for up to four days. They reheat beautifully and can be used in various ways throughout the week—think fajita bowls, quesadillas, burritos, or even salads.
You can also marinate the ingredients in advance and freeze them. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw and roast. It’s a time-saving tip that keeps you one step ahead during hectic weeks.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Despite its bold flavors, Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are surprisingly kid-friendly. The heat level is easy to control, and the combination of juicy chicken and sweet roasted peppers is universally appealing. Kids can customize their fajitas with mild toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream, while adults can spice things up with hot salsa or extra lime.
Making dinner interactive is also a great way to engage kids. Lay out all the toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own fajita—it adds an element of fun and gives picky eaters a sense of control over their meal.
Tips for the Best Results
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: For even roasting, spread the ingredients in a single layer with enough space between pieces. Overcrowding can cause the vegetables to steam instead of caramelize.
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Use foil or parchment paper: This helps with cleanup and prevents sticking. Greasing the pan with nonstick spray is also a good alternative.
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Slice ingredients evenly: Uniform slicing ensures everything cooks at the same rate. This is especially important with bell peppers and onions.
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Stir halfway through roasting: This allows the edges to brown and ensures even cooking. Keep an eye on the oven after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
While the fajitas themselves are hearty enough to serve as a standalone main course, pairing them with complementary dishes can elevate the meal to a new level. Consider serving them with:
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Cilantro-lime rice or Mexican street corn (elote)
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Refried beans or black bean salad
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Chips and fresh guacamole or salsa
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A cold cerveza or sparkling lime agua fresca
For dessert, keep it simple and festive with churros, flan, or cinnamon-dusted fruit skewers.
A Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas aren’t just for casual weeknights. Their beautiful presentation and vibrant colors make them suitable for entertaining guests, hosting a Tex-Mex themed dinner, or celebrating Cinco de Mayo. They are also ideal for potlucks and family gatherings, where ease of preparation and bold flavor are both top priorities.
And because this recipe doesn’t rely on niche ingredients, you can make it almost anywhere—even in a vacation rental kitchen or camper van—using pantry staples and a baking tray.
Conclusion: A Recipe That Checks Every Box
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas deliver on every front: they’re quick, flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome family dinner, a prep-ahead meal, or an impressive yet easy dish for entertaining, this recipe fits the bill. The combination of juicy marinated chicken, roasted vegetables, and zesty lime-cilantro finish is both classic and exciting.
Best of all, the simplicity of the one-pan method means you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without dreading the cleanup. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or quality for convenience. It’s a win for busy cooks, health-conscious eaters, and flavor lovers alike.
