Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Oven-Baked Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a quick and easy recipe for a healthy weeknight dinner. Chicken and veggies are seasoned with a Fajita marinade and baked together on one pan. Pair these fajitas with your favorite tortillas or choose a lettuce wrap for a lighter option.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (1)

If I were only allowed to have one dinner for the rest of my life, I think it just might be these sheet pan chicken fajitas!

Now I know that is a bold statement, but you need to understand a few things…

  • I live in Texas and am slightly obsessed with all things concerning Mexican food – especially chicken tacos.
  • How incredibly simple it is to throw all these ingredients onto a sheet pan and have dinner ready in under 45 minutes.
  • A Mexican food dish is consumed almost daily in my household, so this statement isn’t too much of a stretch!

If you love fajitas but prefer skirt steak instead of chicken, try these Steak Fajitas. Want to set it and forget it? Try these Crockpot Chicken Fajitas next!

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (2)

Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you need for this Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe:

  • Chicken. Opt for organic, if possible, for the most nutrition and best flavor. Skinless chicken breasts are preferred, but thighs can be used, as well.
  • Bell pepper. A blend of green, yellow, and red bell pepper adds a pop of color. But you can use one variety if needed.
  • Onion. Sweet onions are used. You can sub in red, yellow, or white, though.
  • Fajita seasoning. You can quickly and easily make your own at home or choose a store-bought version. You can also use taco seasoning. Both are similar, but taco seasoning is heavier on cumin.
  • Soy sauce. This salty sauce is the base of the marinade.For a gluten-free sauce, substitute with Tamari or even coconut liquid aminos.
  • Lime Juice. The citrus of the lime juice is essential to make the fajita marinade. It tenderizes the chicken and adds a fresh pop of flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce. This adds a depth of flavor to the sauce. You can leave it out if you don’t have any available.
  • Honey. If you can, use local honey. Or, swap it out for pure maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Olive Oil. Choose a high-quality oil, avocado is recommended. You can sub in another neutral oil, like olive, if needed.

How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Making baked fajitas is easy and only requires a few simple steps:

Prepare the Chicken

To ensure everything cooks up consistently, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken thin.

Place the breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or in a Ziploc bag while tenderizing to keep the juices from splattering. The chicken needs to be no more than 1 inch thick.

Then, slice the pounded meat into thin strips about ½-inch thick.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (3)

Slice the Veggies

Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the green, red, and yellow bell peppers and onions. Be sure the vegetable strips are similar in length and width so they cook evenly.

Toss the veggies with oil, salt and pepper.

(You can also make these Fajita veggies if you want even more to serve with the chicken!)

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Make the Marinade

Combine homemade Fajita seasoning, oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Whisk well until everything is mixed.

Add the chicken to the bowl, gently toss to combine, and allow it to rest for 30 minutes or up to a few hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor the chicken will have. However, avoid marinating it overnight or the chicken may take on an unpleasant mealy texture.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (5)
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (6)

Spread it Out

You can use whatever type of rimmed baking sheet you have, but just make sure it is big enough!

I really enjoy the baker’s half-sheet sized pans so you have plenty of room.

Also, I sometimes like to line my sheet pan with parchment paper for easier clean-up. I find this does not stick as much as aluminum foil normally does. (Not to mention, it’s healthier for you!)

You will get a slightly crispier texture to your meat and vegetables if you bake them without the paper.

Place the veggies around the edge of the pan. Leave an opening in the middle for the chicken.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow the excess to drip off. Place the breasts in the middle of the pan.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (7)
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (8)

Bake and Broil

Preheat the oven to 375℉.

Bake the fajitas and veggies for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken and veggies are tender.

Turn the oven to a high broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The broiler step gives everything a wonderful, crispy texture.

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Serve them Up

These oven-baked chicken fajitas are extremely versatile and can be served in a number of ways. You can choose your favorite corn or flour tortilla, or make these homemade cassava flour tortillas. Opt for a burrito bowl with cilantro lime rice or a lettuce wrap for a lighter option.

A few of my favorite toppings include:

  • Pico de gallo
  • Fresh salsa
  • Roasted salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa verde
  • Pickled jalapeños
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Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead:Slice the veggies the day before and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
  • To Store:If there are any leftovers, place them in an air-tight container and leave them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • To Freeze:You can flash-freeze the veggies and chicken separately on a pan for a few hours, then keep them tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 4 months.
  • To Reheat:Place chicken and veggies on a sheet pan in a 350℉ oven for 10 minutes until warmed through, or heat individual servings up in the microwave.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already low carb, keto, and dairy-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

  • Gluten-free:Be sure the seasoning mix along with any toppings or tortillas you use are gluten-free. Also, check the soy sauce and Worcestershire are free of gluten.
  • Paleo:Use liquid coconut aminosinstead of the soy sauce and leave out the Worcestershire sauce.
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FAQs

Are fajitas gluten-free?

No, not all fajitas are gluten-free. Especially when you eat out at a restaurant! Also, a lot of the taco and fajita seasoning packets at the grocery store will add wheat as one of the ingredients. Making your own seasoning blends at home is a great way to avoid gluten. Choose a gluten-free tortilla, as well.

Are fajitas healthy for you?

When you choose lean meats and fresh vegetables, fajitas are a very healthy meal. Be careful with the toppings, though. Cheese, sour cream, and other add-ons aren’t as good for you.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Pound it thin. Use a meat mallet to tenderize the chicken and make sure it is only 1-inch thick for consistent cooking.
  • Make it even. The peppers and onions need to be sliced the same size and length.
  • Add some spice. Kick the flavor up a notch by adding extra chili powder or including jalapeño peppers.
  • High heat. Broiling the chicken and veggies for a few minutes gives them a delightfully crispy texture.
  • Top it off. Get creative with your toppings and serve these fajitas with lime wedges for fresh flavor.

Make it a Meal

Round this Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita recipe out with any of these delicious sides:

  • Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • Mexican Rice
  • Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
  • Avocado Corn Salad
  • Mexican Quinoa Salad with Avocado
  • Blood Orange Margaritas (OK, not a side, but man do they go great with fajitas!!)

Tap stars to rate!

4.73 from 11 votes

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Oven-Baked Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a quick and easy recipe for a healthy weeknight dinner. Chicken and veggies are seasoned with a Fajita marinade and baked together on one pan.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (12)

DFGFLCPASF30

Yield 6 servings

Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 30 minutes mins

Total 45 minutes mins

Print Pin Comment

Ingredients

Fajita Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts pounded to 1-inch thick and cut into ½-inch slices
  • 2 Tbsp. fajita seasoning or taco seasoning
  • 3 Tbsp. oil avocado or olive
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce Tamari, or coconut liquid aminos
  • 1 Tbsp. honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 lime juice
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Fajita Vegetables

  • 3 bell peppers thinly sliced
  • 1 sweet onion thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ tsp. salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp. pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  • Pound chicken breasts to 1-inch and cut into ½-inch slices.

  • In a large bowl whisk together the seasoning mix, 3 tablespoons oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the chicken and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, if desired. Place bell peppers, onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper onto the pan. Toss to coat the vegetables and then spread them into a single layer.

  • Once chicken has marinated, place it in the middle of the vegetables. Make sure to let any excess liquid drip off of the chicken before placing onto the sheet pan.

  • Bake chicken fajitas in the oven for 20-25 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, set the oven temperature to a high broil and broil for 2-3 minutes.

  • Serve chicken fajitas as tacos, on a salad, or in a burrito bowl and enjoy!

Tap stars to rate!

4.73 from 11 votes

Video

Notes

Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead:Slice the veggies the day before and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
  • To Store:If there are any leftovers, place them in an air-tight container and leave them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • To Freeze:You can flash freeze the veggies and chicken separately on a pan for a few hours, then keep them tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 4 months.
  • To Reheat:Place chicken and veggies on a sheet pan in a 350℉ oven for 10 minutes until warmed through, or heat individual servings up in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 841mg, Potassium: 628mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 2360IU, Vitamin C: 85.5mg, Calcium: 25mg, Iron: 1.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!

Categorized as:
Chicken, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Low-Fat, Lunch, Main Dishes, Nut-Free, Paleo, , Recipes, Refined Sugar-Free, Soy-Free, , Whole30

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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

How have fajitas evolved over time? ›

Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish consisting of marinated, grilled meat served on a flour or corn tortilla. Traditionally, fajitas were made using skirt steak, which was marinated, grilled, and thinly sliced. Over time, the dish has evolved to include various meat options such as chicken, shrimp, fish, and pork.

How many pounds of chicken do I need for fajitas for 10 people? ›

Fajitas start with the meat: You'll need 1/4 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, chicken cutlets or skirt steak for each person.

When cooking fajitas do you cook meat or veggies first? ›

This recipe promises to be a one-pan dinner, but to ensure that the chicken's juices don't steam the vegetables — making them soggy — cook the vegetables first. Transfer them to a plate or cutting board, then cook the chicken in the same pan before bringing things together.

Can I substitute taco seasoning for fajita seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are very similar, but they are not the same. Taco seasoning typically has more oregano and chili powder than fajita seasoning. With that being said, however, you can use fajita seasoning and taco seasoning interchangeably in recipes, it may just warrant a slightly different flavor.

What is the history of chicken fajitas? ›

The history of fajitas can be traced back to the cattle ranches of West Texas and Northern Mexico, where ranchers would use the tougher cuts of meat, such as skirt steak, directly over an open flame. This practice, known as “barbacoa,” was popular among Mexican cowboys, also known as vaqueros.

What is the history of fajita seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning has a deep-rooted history in Mexican cuisine. Dating back to the 1930s, it originated in the ranches of Northern Mexico, where cowboys, known as vaqueros, grilled meats over open flames. These early fajitas were a simple affair, consisting of marinated strips of beef cooked over an open fire.

How many people does 1 lb of fajitas feed? ›

I like to always say it's about one pound per three people...but let's be honest, I can almost eat a whole pound by myself lol.

How many fajitas do I need for 20 people? ›

Fajitas for how many people? Six to eight ounces per person, raw weight, would be a pretty nice portion. Once you include sautéed onions and peppers into the mix, everyone could easily make three to four big fajitas. Three to four big fajitas is plenty of food.

How many people does 2 pounds of fajitas feed? ›

I cook fajitas for my work (about 30 people) and I try to do 1/2 pound per person. I also do half pound per person. I do one pound of beans per eight people. Beans are cheap, so you can always throw in an extra pound to be safe.

What is the best meat for fajitas? ›

Skirt steak is the traditional cut used for fajitas. It used to be inexpensive, but now it's not so cheap; oftentimes flank steak costs less. Either will be a good choice.

How do you cook fajita meat so it's tender? ›

Tricks to Tender Fajita Meat
  1. Cut the Beef Against the Grain. Slicing meat against the grain helps tenderize it. By looking closely at the steak, you'll be able to see the direction the grain is running. ...
  2. Marinade with an Acid. Acids like citrus juice or vinegar tenderize meat by breaking down its fibers.
Feb 2, 2024

Can you use McCormick fajita seasoning as a marinade? ›

Savory Fajita Seasoning & Marinade's uniform texture works well when added to liquids or sauces for marinating meats and vegetables. Try this easy and delicious Beef Fajitas Recipe: 1. Combine the 2 cups canola oil and 1/3 cup McCormick Culinary® Savory Fajita Seasoning & Marinade.

What is fajita seasoning made of? ›

Paprika: Red is the color and it is flavorful with a hint of sweetness mixed with some heat. Cumin: Earthy flavoring that blends well with paprika. Garlic Powder: You can never have enough garlic. Onion Powder: Bring in some onion flavoring to enhance this flavoring.

How did fajitas become popular? ›

Breaking Into The Mainstream. It wasn't until the second half of the century that fajitas started gaining popularity outside of Tex-Mex cuisine. As Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants began popping up in cities across Texas, so did the popularity of fajitas.

What is the origin of tacos and how have they evolved over time? ›

Tacos are thought to come from Mexico, long before the Spanish arrived. Ancient Mexicans used freshly made, soft, flat corn tortillas and gave them with fillings like fish and cooked organs. It was a staple meal that provided vital nutrients and energy to those who consumed it.

When did fajitas get popular? ›

The mainstream popularity of fajitas truly began in the 70s as restaurants and concession stands in South Texas awakened the cowboy tradition by grilling skirt steak on sizzling platters and serving them with flour tortillas. Soon, thanks to some very satisfied and loyal customers, their popularity exploded.

How have tacos evolved? ›

The first tacos originated from a small village in Mexico and were filled with small fresh fish wrapped in a white tortilla blanket. The beef filled taco that we all know as the original taco is really the adoption of the Mexican taco by Americans putting their spin on a timeless classic.

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