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Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe for Busy Weeknights

There’s something about colorful peppers and juicy chicken sizzling together on one pan that just feels right. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are the kind of dinner that tastes like effort but takes almost noneyou toss everything on a baking sheet, let the oven do the work, and dinner’s ready in 30 minutes flat.

I started making this back in 2019 when I was testing quick dinners for busy families, and the first time I pulled that pan out, the smell alone had my kids at the table before I even called them. The secret is roasting at high heat so the edges get those crispy, caramelized bits while the chicken stays tender. After testing it dozens of times with different spice blends and veggie ratios, this version became the one I make when I need dinner fast but still want it to feel special.

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SHEET PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe for Busy Weeknights


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  • Author: Anett Roettges
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 (2 fajitas each) 1x
  • Diet: Standard

Description

Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. Packed with tender chicken and colorful peppers roasted to perfection, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 small yellow onions or one large
  • 3 bell peppers any color
  • 1 lb. chicken breast
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 lime
  • 8 6-inch tortillas
  • 1/2 cup sour cream optional
  • 1/4 bunch cilantro optional

Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine chili powder paprika onion powder garlic powder cumin cayenne pepper sugar and salt in a small bowl to form the fajita seasoning.
  2. Slice onions and bell peppers into thin 1/4 inch strips and cut chicken breasts into slender strips. Place all on a large baking sheet or casserole dish.
  3. Drizzle the chicken and vegetables with cooking oil then toss them with the fajita seasoning until all pieces are evenly coated. Spread everything out evenly on the sheet.
  4. Roast the chicken and veggies in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  5. After baking squeeze the juice of half a lime over the cooked chicken and vegetables.
  6. Serve by spooning the mixture onto tortillas and topping with cilantro sour cream and another lime squeeze if you like.

Notes

  • For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 483kcal
  • Sodium: 910mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 31g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the kind of dinner that makes busy weeknights feel manageable again. Everything goes on one pan, you slide it in the oven, and you’re free to tackle homework, fold laundry, or just sit down for five minutes with a cup of tea.

SHEET PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
  • Minimal cleanup: One sheet pan means one thing to washno multiple skillets or pots.
  • Big flavor, little effort: The homemade fajita seasoning creates those smoky-sweet notes you’d get from a restaurant, but without any fancy techniques.
  • Family-friendly: Colorful peppers and tender chicken make this a hit with kids and picky eaters alike.
  • Flexible serving: Pile everything into warm tortillas, or skip them and serve over rice for a low-carb twist.

What You’ll Need

The ingredient list is refreshingly simplemostly pantry spices and a handful of fresh produce. I love that you can make your own seasoning blend with what’s already in your cupboard, though a store-bought fajita mix works beautifully too if you’re in a pinch.

The chicken breast gets sliced into thin strips so it cooks quickly and soaks up all that spice. Yellow onions and bell peppers (any color works) turn sweet and slightly charred in the oven, giving you those caramelized edges that make fajitas so crave-worthy. A squeeze of fresh lime at the end brightens everything up, and the tortillas, sour cream, and cilantro are there for building your perfect bite.

IngredientEasy Swap
Chicken breastBoneless thighs for extra juiciness
Yellow onionsRed onion for a milder, slightly sweet flavor
Bell peppersUse any color mixred and orange are sweeter
Sour creamGreek yogurt or skip entirely
TortillasLettuce wraps or serve over rice

How It All Comes Together

The beauty of Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas is in the simplicity. You’ll start by mixing up your fajita seasoningit takes maybe two minutes and smells incredible. While your oven preheats to 400ºF, slice your chicken, onions, and peppers into thin strips so everything cooks evenly.

Toss the chicken and vegetables on a large baking sheet, drizzle with cooking oil, and sprinkle the seasoning over top. Use your hands to mix it all togetherit’s messy but satisfying, and you’ll know everything’s evenly coated. Spread it out in a single layer so the edges get crispy, then slide it into the oven.

After about 20 minutes, give everything a good stir to redistribute the juices and flip any pieces that are browning too quickly. Let it roast another 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender with slightly charred edges. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top right when it comes outthat little citrus pop makes all the difference.

StepTimeWhat’s Happening
Prep ingredients15 minMix spices, slice chicken and veggies
First roast20 minHigh heat starts caramelizing the edges
Stir & continue15-20 minChicken finishes cooking, veggies soften
Rest & serve5 minSqueeze lime, warm tortillas, assemble

Helpful Tips and Tweaks

Pro Tip: If your chicken pieces are thicker than a half-inch, they might need a few extra minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165ºF if you’re unsureit’s the easiest way to avoid dry or undercooked meat.

  • Spread everything in a single layer without crowding. If your pan is too packed, the vegetables will steam instead of roast and you’ll miss out on those crispy, caramelized bits.
  • Don’t skip the halfway stirit helps everything cook evenly and prevents any pieces from burning on the edges.
  • If you like extra heat, bump up the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the seasoning mix.
  • Warm your tortillas in the oven for the last 2-3 minutes wrapped in foil, or heat them quickly in a dry skillet before serving.

How to Serve and Store

Serving is the fun partset out warm tortillas, sour cream, cilantro, and extra lime wedges, and let everyone build their own fajitas. You can also serve this over rice, quinoa, or even tucked into a burrito bowl with black beans and avocado.

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, and they’re perfect for quick lunches or a second round of fajita night. The chicken and vegetables also freeze well for up to three monthsjust thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Storage MethodHow LongBest For
Refrigerator (airtight)Up to 4 daysQuick lunches, next-day dinners
Freezer (portioned)Up to 3 monthsMeal prep, future fajita nights
Tortillas (separate)Store apartKeeps them from getting soggy

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How I Finally Perfected My Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

I burned the peppers twice and undercooked the chicken once before I figured out the right oven temperature and timing for these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. Now they come out perfectly seasoned with tender chicken and crispy-edged veggies every single time, and cleanup is a breeze with just one pan.

FAQs ( Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas )

What temperature should I cook this recipe at?

Preheat your oven to 425°F for the best results. This high temperature ensures the chicken cooks through while developing nice caramelization on the vegetables. The heat also helps evaporate excess moisture, preventing soggy peppers and onions.

How long does it take to cook chicken fajitas on a sheet pan?

Total cooking time is typically 20-25 minutes at 425°F. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked. If your chicken pieces are particularly thick, add 3-5 extra minutes and check with a meat thermometer.

Should I add vegetables and chicken at the same time?

Yes, you can add everything together since the cooking times align perfectly. Cut your bell peppers and onions into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking. The vegetables will be tender-crisp when the chicken reaches the proper temperature.

What cut of chicken works best for this meal?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top choice because they stay juicy and flavorful. Chicken breasts work well too – just slice them into even strips about 1/2 inch thick. Thighs are more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep everything up to 4 hours ahead by seasoning the chicken and chopping vegetables, then storing them separately in the refrigerator. For best texture, cook fresh rather than reheating. Leftovers keep for 3 days and reheat well in a skillet.

SHEET PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS centered hero view, clean and uncluttered_pin

Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

You’ll love how these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas turn outjuicy chicken, caramelized peppers, and those crispy charred edges that make everything taste like it came straight from a restaurant. Thirty minutes from start to finish, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Want to switch things up? Try swapping the chicken for shrimp during the last ten minutes of cooking, or toss in some sliced mushrooms with the peppers for extra depth. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a hot skillet with a splash of water to keep everything moista trick I learned from meal prepping with busy families in mind.

I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Snap a photo and tag us, or tell me in the comments what toppings your family piled on. This one’s perfect for sharing with someone who needs an easy dinner win this weekbecause we all deserve meals that feel special without the stress.

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