Here’s a peek into how my brain works: as soon as the calendar strikes May, I go into full summer mode. Pool party invites are out, swimsuits are on order, and I’m dreaming of those quintessential summer dishes like pasta al limone and grain salads. Here in Austin at least, you can’t really separate summertime meals from Tex-Mex. Many of us in the ATX happily live on tacos from May through August, whether tossed on the grill or picked up from a favorite spot. That said, summer is the time to keep it simple, so I love a Mexican recipe that is quick on prep and major on flavor. You too? Enter my five-ingredient sheet pan chicken fajitas.
Why sheet pan dinners rule.
My current favorite answer to the “what to cook for dinner tonight” conundrum? These sheet pan chicken fajitas that are quite literally made completely on one sheet pan, and when you line that pan with foil or parchment paper, the dreaded after-dinner clean-up becomes nonexistent.
The key to making sheet pan chicken fajitas with only a handful of ingredients is all in how you season it. This meal relies on boneless skinless chicken breast or tenderloins, bell peppers, and onions (doesn’t get more basic than that), and a generous sprinkle of taco seasoning that amps up the flavor. A high-quality store bought spice blend is full of all the same herbs and spices I’d mix up myself, but so much quicker.
What makes these sheet pan chicken fajitas a little healthier?
Tex-Mex often gets a bad rap for being greasy or heavy, and while that may be true in a restaurant setting, dishes like these chicken fajitas prove that Tex-Mex can be full of veggies and protein.
- The base: Use corn tortillas if you want to keep them gluten-free (or like me, you just prefer the taste of corn tortillas over flour.) You could also make an amazing fajita salad by tossing this mixture with some shredded lettuce and pico.
- See ya grease: Making these on a sheet pan in the oven allows you to use way less oil than if you were making them in a skillet (just a little olive oil before cooking.)
- Fresh, flavorful toppings: Top them with more veggies: guacamole, pico de gallo, and cilantro. Though I do love a dollop of sour cream right at the end.
Let’s taco ’bout those 5 ingredients
Before anyone protests that my math is off, I should probably clarify that when I say “5 ingredients,” I’m not including pantry staples: olive oil, salt, and pepper. Also, the toppings to serve are optional, so… don’t count. Okay?
For a party, set out the fillings and garnishes with a stack of just-charred tortillas, and let everyone dig in. Summer is served!
Scroll on for the recipe, and be sure to drop a comment and tag us on Instagram if you make them!
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Description
These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Only Have 5 Ingredients–they’ll be your new summer go-to.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons (divided)
- Zest and juice of 3 limes
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or chili powder (divided)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 5 mixed peppers of your choice (bell peppers, poblanos, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425.
- In a shallow baking dish, combine ¼ cup olive oil, lime juice and zest, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and several grounds of pepper. Whisk together, then add the chicken. Set aside to let marinate while you prep veggies.
- Cut peppers in half lengthwise, remove stem and seeds and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Peel and halve the onion and cut it into 1/4-inch slices.
- On a sheet pan, toss the bell peppers and onion with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Move to one side of the sheet pan.
- To other side of the sheet pan, add the chicken, leaving excess marinade in the bowl. Roast the chicken and vegetables until the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are soft, about 15 minutes. Crank up the oven to broil and broil until charred, about 5 minutes.
- Char the tortillas by holding them over a gas flame with tongs for about 1 minute per side. Keep warm in a tortilla warmer, or a gallon-sized ziploc.
- Serve chicken and vegetables with tortillas, guacamole, pico, sour cream, and cilantro. A margarita wouldn’t hurt either. Eat!
This looks great. I usually grill my chicken, but the baking is a nice option for the winter. I also love any excuse to make some guacamole!
Angela / Blush & Pearls
Hey Camille,
This looks like a quick, easy recipe, but also looks delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Thanks,
Dennis
looks so delicious and simple, not to mention it only takes 30 minutes?! a mama’s dream recipe…we love fajitas around here. I usually make this on the stove, but the oven sounds way more convenient. thank you for this!
And this is why this is my go to blog! Always on point and right down my alley! Everything I’ve ever made from your recipe files have been delicious and amazing! Thank you for a great dinner idea!;)
I love chicken fajitas i am trying this recipe for tomorrow.
Just the kind of recipes I love,and so easy and clean up.
Thank you Camille.
Why taco seasoning instead of fajita seasoning?
Hi Paige! I just love the particular flavors and spices included in the taco seasoning mix, but you could totally use fajita seasoning for this. 🙂
Another option is to line the sheet with tortillas, then place the other ingredients on top.
Preheat the sheet pan while prepping the ingredients. Toss ingredients together prior to adding to hot pan/preheated oven. This will add some carmelization to the veg. Cooking time may be a bit shorter, too.
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing Katie!
I made this for dinner tonight and it was really good!!
Looks delicious …wonder if I could use shrimp?
Definitely! Shrimp cook in less time, so add them to the sheet pan when there’s just about 7 minutes left of cook time. Let us know how it goes!
I made this on Saturday. Other than making a bigger batch and using four different colored peppers, I did not change a thing; it was so, so easy and absolutely delicious. This meal will definitely be one I will make over and over again.
Thank you so much for this recipe!! Midweek meal life saver – easy and absolutely delicious!
Looks delish! Looking forward to making this.
Looks good and is very simple too! Can’t wait to try it for my kids, I’m sure they would love it.
It’s such an easy and delicious recipe! Let us know what your family thinks—can’t wait for you to try it!
Has anyone made this recipe using boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! They’ll just cook a little faster, so check them after about 20 minutes in the oven to make sure they don’t overcook.
How much onion is supposed to be used? Not listed under ingredients and can’t tell by the instructions if supposed to use 1/2 or entire onion. Thanks!