– **Title**: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
– **Ingredients**:
– 1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced into strips
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow onion, sliced
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small flour or corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, red and green bell peppers, and onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture out in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring halfway through.
6. While the fajitas are baking, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.
7. Once the chicken and veggies are done, remove from the oven and serve immediately with warm tortillas and your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy your meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey breast is a great substitute. You can also use thighs for a juicier texture.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green adds color and flavor. If any color is hard to find, you can use just one color or even substitute with zucchini or mushrooms for a different twist.
Onion: The red onion provides a nice sweetness. If you prefer something milder, yellow or even sweet onions can be used. Just remember, the flavor will change slightly.
Spices: Cumin and chili powder bring warmth. If you don’t have cumin, taco seasoning works nicely. Fresh jalapeños can also be added for more heat! Don’t forget that smoked paprika can add a unique flavor!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Just use a little less since it’s sometimes more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken and Vegetables Cook Evenly?
Getting the perfect cook on both chicken and vegetables can be key. Here are some tips to help:
- Slice the chicken and vegetables into equal-sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Spread everything out in a single layer on the sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time! If you notice any pieces cooking faster, you can remove them earlier to avoid dryness.
These steps will ensure deliciously roasted chicken and perfectly tender veggies in your fajitas!
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Tortillas
- Salsa
- Guacamole
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven. Altogether, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your fajitas will cook properly and come out perfectly tender and delicious!
2. Make the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed. This will give the chicken and veggies a lovely flavor!
3. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
On a large sheet pan, place the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and red onion. Drizzle the spice mixture over the top and toss everything together with your hands or a spatula until everything is well coated. This step spreads the delicious spices evenly!
4. Spread Out the Mixture:
Make sure to spread the chicken and vegetables into an even layer on the pan. This helps them cook evenly and gives you perfectly roasted fajitas.
5. Bake in the Oven:
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and the veggies to be nice and tender. You can check if the chicken is cooked by cutting into a piece—it should be no longer pink inside.
6. Finish with Lime Juice:
When the fajitas are done baking, take the pan out of the oven and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. This adds a refreshing zing that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a lovely finish. Serve the warm fajitas with tortillas and your favorite salsa and guacamole on the side. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are thicker, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices Listed?
No worries! You can use a pre-made taco seasoning as a substitute for the spices in this recipe. About 2-3 tablespoons should do the trick. If you’re missing some individual spices, feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a skillet until heated through, ensuring to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prepare the chicken and veggies a day ahead! Just toss them with the spice mixture and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This will enhance the flavors, making for an even tastier dish!
