Name: One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced; 1 large red onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 1 lime; Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional); Warm tortillas

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 22 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together effortlessly and delights everyone at the table, you have to try this One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions seasoned with a bold, smoky spice mix—all cooked together on a single sheet pan for a fuss-free cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday night or a casual weekend gathering, this dish shines with its simplicity and irresistible taste.

One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but pack so much punch in flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role, making this One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe truly come alive in your kitchen.

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, perfect for fajitas.
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced: Adds a bright, sweet crunch and a rainbow of colors to the dish.
1 large red onion, sliced: Offers a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly and adds a rich, smooth mouthfeel.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings the classic smokiness and mild heat essential to fajitas.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky depth that elevates the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory background note without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the natural sweetness of the onions already in the mix.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of extra kick.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the spices.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle sharpness to brighten the dish.
Juice of 1 lime: A fresh squeeze of acidity that brightens and lifts all the flavors.
Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and beautiful green contrast.
Warm tortillas for serving: Softens and wraps all those delicious fillings into perfect handheld bites.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to getting the chicken juicy and the veggies tender without drying anything out. Grab a large sheet pan because everything will cook together, which makes this recipe a one-pan wonder.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Vegetables with Spices

On the sheet pan, combine the thinly sliced chicken breasts, bell peppers, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes if you like heat, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly with your hands or tongs until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 3: Arrange for Even Cooking and Bake

Spread your mixture into a single even layer on the pan. This helps everything cook consistently and lets the edges slightly caramelize for extra taste. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the vegetables beautifully tender by the end.

Step 4: Add a Fresh Finish

Once out of the oven, squeeze the juice of one lime over your sizzling fajitas. The tangy lime juice adds a burst of freshness that perfectly cuts through the warm spices. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if you’re using it, for a vibrant, herby note.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Garnishes

While the One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe shines on its own, you can really elevate the dish with some tasty garnishes. Sour cream adds creaminess that mellows the spices, guacamole provides lush richness, and shredded cheese brings comforting gooeyness. Don’t forget extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro for that pop of brightness and color!

Side Dishes

Pair your fajitas with classic sides like Mexican rice or black beans to keep things authentic and hearty. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette or some corn on the cob grilled with chili powder and lime also works beautifully to round out the meal with fresh and crunchy elements.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning your fajita filling into a colorful salad bowl over mixed greens for a lighter twist. You can also load up crispy tostadas or even stuff the filling into baked potatoes or pita pockets for a fun, handheld variation. The possibilities are endless and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop wonderfully as they rest, making your next meal just as tasty without extra effort.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes your One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe perfect for meal prepping or busy days when time is short.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep the chicken juicy and the vegetables tender. Microwave works too, though a skillet gives you better texture and flavor revival.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe is versatile. Shrimp or steak work excellently as substitutes—they just need adjusted cooking times. Shrimp cooks faster, while steak can be sliced thin and seared similarly.

What type of tortillas work best?

Both flour and corn tortillas are great, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas keep it gluten-free and add authentic flavor, while flour tortillas offer a soft, pliable wrap for everyone to enjoy.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. You can also include jalapeño slices along with the bell peppers for an extra kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. The cooked fajitas reheat beautifully, making them ideal for weekday lunches or dinners.

How can I get a little char on the fajitas?

Try broiling the cooked sheet pan for 2 to 3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, but this step adds a wonderful caramelization that boosts flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the ease and excitement of a meal that fills your kitchen with amazing smells and your plate with vibrant colors, and that’s exactly what this One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe offers. It’s a quick, wholesome dinner packed with bold flavors and perfect for sharing. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite just as much as I do!