Introduction
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason – they’re incredibly easy to make and packed with bold flavors like cumin and smoked paprika. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and the best part is that it’s all made on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. With the simplicity of preparation and the flavorful outcome, you’ll be making Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas again and again.
The ease and convenience of this recipe are what make it a favorite in my household. I can have a delicious, spicy meal on the table in no time, and the fact that it’s made on a sheet pan means that I can cook for a crowd without any hassle.
Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for a new way to cook chicken and vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So let’s get started and dive into the world of Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a simple and flavorful meal. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a dish that’s full of vibrant colors and aromatic flavors. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using a sheet pan, you can cook all the ingredients together, resulting in a dish that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the recipe and start cooking up some delicious Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, salsa
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, you can experiment with different types of peppers and onions to change up the flavor. For example, you could use Anaheim peppers for a milder flavor or habanero peppers for an extra kick.
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika. However, keep in mind that the smoky flavor will be missing, so you may want to add a little liquid smoke to give it that extra depth.
In terms of protein, you can also use shrimp or steak instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, and make sure to cook the protein to the recommended internal temperature.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can skip the chicken altogether and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and spices to taste.
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment, including a sheet pan, a large skillet, cutting tools, and measuring tools. Make sure you have these on hand before you start cooking.
A sheet pan is essential for this recipe, as it allows you to cook all the ingredients together in one pan. If you don’t have a sheet pan, you can also use a large oven-safe skillet or a cast-iron pan.
In addition to the sheet pan, you’ll also need a large skillet to cook the chicken and vegetables before transferring them to the sheet pan. A stainless steel or cast-iron skillet works well for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Slice chicken breast into thin strips.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with onions and bell peppers.
- Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to a sheet pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you cook the chicken and vegetables, make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent burning. You can also add a little olive oil to the sheet pan to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
When the Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are done, they should be tender and juicy, with a slightly charred exterior. The vegetables should be tender but still crunchy, and the chicken should be cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To serve, simply warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Then, assemble the fajitas by placing a portion of the chicken and vegetable mixture onto a tortilla and topping with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips & Tricks
To ensure that your Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas turn out perfectly, make sure to not overcrowd the sheet pan. Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary, to prevent them from steaming instead of browning.
Also, don’t overcook the chicken and vegetables. They should be tender and juicy, but still crunchy. If you overcook them, they’ll become dry and tough.
In terms of variations, you can experiment with different types of protein, such as shrimp or steak, or add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also spice things up by adding more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions/Storage/Variations
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are perfect for serving with warm flour tortillas, sour cream, and salsa. You can also add some shredded cheese, diced avocado, or chopped cilantro to give it an extra boost of flavor.
To store leftovers, simply cool the chicken and vegetables to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze them for later use. You can also reheat the leftovers in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to prevent drying out.
In terms of variations, you can experiment with different types of protein, such as shrimp or steak, or add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also spice things up by adding more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a Chicken Fajita recipe with a twist, try adding some Korean chili flakes or Indian spices to give it a unique flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (assuming 4 servings):
Calories: 265 kcal
Protein: 29g
Carbs: 19g
Fat: 7.5g
Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Q: How do I make this recipe vegan?
A: To make this recipe vegan, you can skip the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also use tofu or tempeh as a protein source, and make sure to use vegan-friendly seasonings and spices.
Q: Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop only?
A: Yes, you can cook this recipe on the stovetop only, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer and the ingredients may not be as tender and juicy. Make sure to stir the ingredients frequently to prevent burning.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: To store leftovers, simply cool the chicken and vegetables to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze them for later use. You can also reheat the leftovers in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to prevent drying out.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to this recipe, such as diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or crumbly cheese. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and spices accordingly, and make sure the ingredients are cooked through and tender.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, but make sure to check the ingredients of the tortillas and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a delicious and easy-to-make Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and tender texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes or pin it on Pinterest if you make it!
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear your feedback on this Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Season chicken breast with salt and pepper
- Slice chicken breast into thin strips
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes
- Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with onions and bell peppers
- Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to a sheet pan
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender
- Remove from the oven and serve hot