If you are craving a delicious, vibrant, and fuss-free meal, this One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe is just the ticket to satisfy your taste buds while keeping your kitchen cleanup minimal. Imagine tender strips of juicy chicken nestled among colorful bell peppers and red onions, all roasted together with a blend of smoky, zesty spices that infuse every bite with incredible flavor. This dish delivers that perfect balance of savory, spicy, and bright citrus notes, making it an effortless weeknight favorite you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh ingredients that bring it to life. Each component plays a vital role—from the tender chicken for protein, to the rainbow of bell peppers for a sweet crunch, and a savvy spice mix that packs a punch of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quick and even cooking, ensuring juicy pieces.
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors): Adds a vibrant pop of color and a natural sweetness that balances the spices.
- 1 large red onion: Sliced for a mild, caramelizing sweetness that complements the peppers and chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The core spice that brings a smoky, slightly spicy depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin enhances the fajita’s Mexican flair.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness for an authentic roasted flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides that savory garlicky aroma without the texture of fresh garlic.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion notes and deepens overall seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little added kick, adjust to your preferred heat level.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a touch of sharpness.
- Juice of 1 lime: Brightens the entire dish with a fresh, zesty finish.
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: Perfect for garnishing and adding a burst of freshness at the end.
- Warm flour or corn tortillas: The classic way to enjoy your fajitas, choose according to your preference.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by warming your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting those vibrant ingredients. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly while giving your bell peppers and onions a gorgeous tender-crisp texture with just enough char to be delightful.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend and Marinate
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and the juice of one lime. Toss in the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion, making sure every piece is evenly coated in this flavorful marinade. This step is where the magic starts, allowing the spices to cling perfectly to your ingredients.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
Spread the marinated mixture evenly across a large baking sheet in a single layer. Keeping the chicken and vegetables in one layer ensures even cooking and beautiful roasting. Pop it in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, give everything a gentle stir so all sides can get that lovely caramelization we love in fajitas.
Step 4: Optional Broil for Char
If you’re craving even more of that charred flavor, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, but this step adds a fantastic smoky crunch that will have you dreaming of fajitas long after dinner.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita fixings like sour cream, avocado, salsa, or shredded cheese. The bright green cilantro and lime wedges add a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken and veggies, making every bite sing.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are a must-have for garnishing this One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe. The cilantro lifts the dish with herby brightness, while a generous squeeze of lime adds zingy acidity that balances the smoky and spicy flavors. Don’t be shy—added guacamole, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream can make the experience even richer and creamier.
Side Dishes
While this dish is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with simple sides like Mexican rice or black beans can turn your meal into a fiesta. A crisp green salad or a bowl of fresh corn salad also works beautifully to complement the warm spices with fresh, crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by serving the fajita mixture over a bed of fluffy rice or wrapped in crunchy lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist. You can even use these spiced chicken and veggies as a topping for nachos or loaded baked potatoes, transforming the One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe into a versatile star across multiple meals!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fajita mix keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic choice for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners. Just make sure to cool the mixture completely before sealing and storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked fajita mixture for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing won’t compromise the flavor, making this an excellent solution for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the fajita mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If reheating on the stove, a splash of water or lime juice can help revive the moisture and flavor. Reheat the tortillas separately for the freshest experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just slice them into thin strips like the breasts to ensure even cooking with the veggies.
Is this One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free if you opt for corn tortillas instead of flour ones. The spices and fresh ingredients used contain no gluten, making it a great choice for those with sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe in a skillet instead of the oven?
Definitely! Cook the chicken and veggies in batches over medium-high heat in a large skillet until cooked through and slightly charred. This is a quicker alternative but requires more hands-on attention for even cooking.
How spicy is the recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat, mostly from the chili powder and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes for heat or reducing them for a gentler flavor.
What toppings go best with these fajitas?
Sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh salsa, guacamole, and extra lime wedges are classic accompaniments. Feel free to get creative with pickled jalapeños, radishes, or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever made fajitas any other way. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for busy evenings when you still want a meal that feels special. So gather your ingredients, turn up some music, and get ready to dig into a fajita feast that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.
Print
One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to enjoy classic Mexican fajitas with minimal cleanup. Tender strips of chicken breast are baked alongside vibrant bell peppers and red onions, all seasoned with a zesty blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep, served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced
Seasoning and Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For Serving
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the fajitas.
- Mix the seasoning. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Stir until well blended.
- Toss chicken and vegetables. Add the sliced chicken breasts, bell peppers, and red onion to the bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange on baking sheet. Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over a large baking sheet to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the fajitas. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to promote even baking and slightly char the vegetables.
- Optional broiling. For extra char and smoky flavor, broil the fajitas for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the fajitas from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, or shredded cheese.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor and texture, broil the fajitas for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.
- This recipe is ideal for meal prepping; store cooked fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat as needed.
- Use corn tortillas to make this dish gluten-free.
