Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

These sheet pan chicken fajitas are the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemmas. With just one pan, a handful of spices, and a rainbow of veggies, you get a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired meal ready in just 35 minutes. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and roasted alongside bell peppers and onions, creating a sizzling dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant—without the mess!

Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you pile them into soft tortillas or enjoy them bowl-style over rice, these fajitas deliver bold flavors and a colorful presentation every time. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the sheet pan method. Add this dish to your weekly rotation—you won’t regret it!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Juice of 1 lime

• 8 small flour tortillas

• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and red onion to the bowl. Toss well to coat everything evenly.

4. Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

6. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the hot fajitas and give everything a quick toss.

7. Warm the tortillas and serve with your favorite toppings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

What Are Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas?

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are a simplified, oven-baked version of the traditional sizzling fajitas we all know and love. Instead of cooking everything separately on a stovetop or grill, this version combines sliced chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, and bold spices—all roasted together on a single baking sheet. The result is a mess-free, flavor-packed dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare and clean up.

This one-pan approach delivers all the excitement of a restaurant-quality fajita night without the need for multiple pots, pans, or specialized equipment. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you want something satisfying yet simple.

A Brief History of Fajitas

Fajitas originated in the ranch lands of South and West Texas, with roots tracing back to the 1930s. Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) were often given the less-desirable cuts of meat—specifically skirt steak—as part of their pay. To make it more palatable, they marinated the meat and grilled it over an open flame. The term “fajita” comes from the Spanish word “faja,” meaning “belt” or “strip,” a nod to the way the meat is sliced.

As the dish evolved, it found its way into Tex-Mex cuisine and became a restaurant favorite, usually served on a hot cast-iron skillet with sizzling meat and vegetables. The modern version has expanded beyond beef to include chicken, shrimp, and even vegetarian options, making it more versatile and accessible.

Why Make Fajitas on a Sheet Pan?

The sheet pan method is a game-changer for home cooks. Instead of babysitting a skillet or dealing with uneven cooking, everything roasts evenly in the oven. It requires less oil, no splattering, and almost no cleanup when you line your pan with parchment or foil. It’s perfect for those who want bold flavors without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Additionally, roasting in the oven brings out the natural sweetness in the bell peppers and onions while allowing the spices to coat the chicken evenly. The result? A juicy, caramelized, flavor-rich fajita filling that pairs well with tortillas, rice, or even lettuce wraps.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

One of the key reasons this recipe is a winner is its balance between flavor and nutrition. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, making it great for those watching their fat intake or building muscle. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while onions offer anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits.

When you prepare this dish at home, you control the oil, sodium, and any added sugar—unlike many restaurant versions, which often come with excess calories and saturated fats. It can easily be adapted to fit gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, or keto diets depending on how you serve it.

Versatility: Customize It Your Way

One of the best things about sheet pan chicken fajitas is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Protein options: Swap chicken for shrimp, steak, tofu, or tempeh.

• Vegetable variations: Try zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or corn for a seasonal twist.

• Spice level: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you love heat, or keep it mild for the family.

• Serving options: Enjoy them traditionally with flour tortillas or go low-carb with lettuce wraps or fajita bowls over cauliflower rice.

You can also make a double batch and repurpose the leftovers throughout the week. Think fajita quesadillas, salads, wraps, burritos, or even scrambled with eggs for a savory breakfast.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re into meal prep, this recipe should be a staple in your rotation. Everything cooks at once, and the flavor only deepens over time, making leftovers just as tasty—if not more so—the next day. Store the cooked fajita mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it in individual portions for quick reheating.

Pair it with pre-portioned rice, beans, or tortillas in containers, and you’ll have balanced, ready-to-eat meals for the week.

Great for Families and Gatherings

Sheet pan fajitas are also ideal for feeding a crowd. You can easily scale the recipe up by using multiple pans, and everyone can build their own fajitas, tacos, or bowls. Set out a toppings bar with sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa to make it interactive and fun.

This setup is especially popular for casual gatherings, birthday parties, or game nights. Everyone gets exactly what they want, and you don’t have to stand over a stove flipping food while your guests enjoy the party.

Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Fajitas

To make the most out of this recipe, here are a few expert tips:

• Slice everything evenly. Uniform cuts ensure even cooking, so your chicken doesn’t overcook while the peppers are still raw.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Use a large baking sheet or two smaller ones to keep everything in a single layer. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting.

• Use fresh lime juice. A squeeze of lime after roasting brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the spice.

• Toss everything in the seasoning well. Make sure every strip of chicken and veggie is well-coated with the spice mixture for bold, consistent flavor.

• Preheat your oven. Starting with a hot oven ensures a beautiful char on the vegetables and juicy, well-cooked meat.

Serving Ideas to Elevate Your Fajitas

While tortillas are the traditional choice, you can elevate your fajita night with these creative serving ideas:

• Fajita Bowls: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice with black beans, corn, and avocado.

• Lettuce Wraps: Perfect for a low-carb option. Butter lettuce or romaine hearts work great.

• Nachos: Use the cooked fajita mixture to top tortilla chips with melted cheese and jalapeños.

• Burritos or Enchiladas: Roll up the filling into burritos or layer it into enchiladas with enchilada sauce.

• Baked Potatoes: Top baked sweet or russet potatoes with fajita filling and your favorite garnishes.

Make It a Complete Meal

To round out your meal, consider adding a few easy sides:

• Cilantro-lime rice or Mexican rice

• Refried beans or black beans

• Fresh pico de gallo or mango salsa

• Grilled corn or corn on the cob

• A simple avocado salad or slaw

A refreshing drink like a sparkling lime agua fresca or margarita pairs beautifully, too!

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Fuss-Free Favorite

Sheet pan chicken fajitas check all the boxes: they’re easy to make, full of bold flavors, healthy, and customizable. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or entertaining a crowd, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Because everything cooks together on one pan, it’s a time-saver without compromising on texture or flavor. Plus, with endless variations and pairing options, you can make it again and again without ever getting bored.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, this dish is a must-have in your recipe rotation. The next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, let your oven do the work—Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas will never disappoint.