Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s both bursting with flavor and incredibly simple to put together, this Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe is an absolute winner. I love how everything cooks all at once on the same pan—less mess, less hassle, and more time to enjoy dinner with friends or family. Plus, the combination of tender chicken and perfectly roasted peppers makes every bite feel special without requiring tons of prep work.
This recipe works like a charm for busy weeknights or casual weekend get-togethers when you want something fresh, vibrant, and downright satisfying. The sauce—a tangy cotija verde—adds that creamy zing that takes these fajitas from good to unforgettable. If you want to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to eat with you), this Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe should definitely be in your dinner rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, saving you time and cleanup.
- Vibrant Flavors: The combination of spices, fresh peppers, and the creamy cotija verde sauce creates layers of deliciousness.
- Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or spice levels to match your taste buds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining, these fajitas deliver.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor and texture — from juicy chicken to sweet, slightly smoky peppers and creamy garnishes. When I shop for this, I pick fresh colorful bell peppers and a ripe avocado, which really brighten everything up.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tender bites every time.
- Salted butter or olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices stick while roasting.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant kick that complements the smoky spices.
- Taco seasoning: The magical blend that infuses flavor — either store-bought or homemade for control over spice levels.
- Yellow onion: Sweet and savory, it softens and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green): Choose a mix of colors for sweetness and visual appeal.
- Poblano pepper: Adds a mild heat and smoky undertone without overwhelming.
- Tortillas: Warmed and ready to soak up all the juicy goodness from the pan.
- Avocado, limes, and cilantro: Fresh, bright toppings that cut through the richness.
- Cotija Verde Sauce ingredients (Greek yogurt, mayo, salsa verde, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, cotija cheese): Creamy, tangy, and with just a touch of heat to elevate the fajitas to the next level.
Tweak to Your Taste
I tend to play around with this Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe depending on what’s in season or how spicy I’m feeling. You might find you prefer it with a little more heat or maybe even swapping the chicken for shrimp now and then — it’s totally flexible!
- Spice it up: When I want extra kick, I add more pickled jalapeños or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- Go veggie-forward: I’ve swapped chicken for sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
- Mix up the peppers: Sometimes I use sweet mini peppers or even add a few slices of fresh jalapeño for more heat.
- Try different sauces: If you want a change, swapping the cotija verde sauce for a smoky chipotle crema gives it a lovely twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high heat helps create those charred edges on the peppers and onions that make the fajitas taste so good. While the oven warms up, line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken in the Flavor
Slice the chicken breasts thinly so they cook quickly and evenly. Toss them in the melted butter or olive oil along with garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step is where the base flavor really builds, so make sure everything is evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Arrange
Slice the yellow onion, bell peppers, and poblano pepper into strips. Toss them with a little more salt and pepper before spreading everything evenly on the sheet pan. Make sure you leave some space so the ingredients roast nicely instead of steaming.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and the veggies to have that lovely char and softness. If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on the edges so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cotija Verde Sauce
While the sheet pan does its magic, combine Greek yogurt, mayo, salsa verde, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth. This sauce is cool and creamy with a nice punch that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Step 6: Assemble Your Fajitas
Warm your tortillas on a skillet or directly in the oven for a minute or two, then pile on the roasted chicken and veggies. Top with avocado slices, dollops of the cotija verde sauce, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. Fold, bite, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Slice Chicken Thinly: Thin slices cook quickly and stay juicy without drying out.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving space lets your veggies roast and char properly instead of steaming.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic in the butter/oil gives the chicken a bright, garlicky flavor that powder can’t replace.
- Check Chicken Early: Since ovens vary, start checking at 18 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these fajitas with ripe avocado slices because they add creaminess that balances out the spices perfectly. Fresh lime wedges are a must—squeezing them on right before eating brightens up every bite. And don’t skip the chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese; they add that authentic, fresh flair I can’t resist.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually keep it simple with Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice to soak up the saucy bits. Black beans or charred corn salad also pair wonderfully for a full-on Tex-Mex vibe. If you want to keep it light, a crisp green salad with a citrus dressing brings great contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
I once made these fajitas for a casual taco night and served everything buffet-style with small bowls of toppings. Guests loved building their own creations! Another time, I rolled the filling into warm tortillas and grilled them briefly for a toasty fajita wrap, which was a big hit at a picnic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate is key to avoid soggy veggies and chicken. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat the chicken and peppers gently so they don’t get rubbery.
Freezing
While I prefer fresh, this recipe freezes well if you tightly pack the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it too in a small container.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve that roasted texture. Warm tortillas separately in a dry pan or wrapped in foil in the oven.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and are often more forgiving since they stay juicy longer. Just slice them thinly like the breasts and adjust cooking time if needed—thighs might cook a little faster due to higher fat content.
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Is it okay to prepare the fajitas without the cotija verde sauce?
Yes, the fajitas will still be delicious without the sauce. However, the cotija verde adds a creamy, tangy layer that really complements the spicy, smoky flavors. You can substitute with sour cream or a simple squeeze of lime if you prefer.
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How can I make this recipe spicier?
To turn up the heat, add extra pickled jalapeños in the sauce, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the veggies before roasting, or include some fresh diced jalapeño in the mix. Remember to adjust gradually so it suits your spice tolerance.
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Can I meal prep these fajitas for the week?
Definitely! The chicken and veggies hold up well in the refrigerator for a few days, making them perfect for meal prep. Store the components separately—warm the chicken and peppers when ready to eat and add fresh toppings to keep everything vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s effortless yet always hits the spot. I love how you can gather everything on one pan, pop it in the oven, and come back to a dinner that smells amazing and feels like a celebration. Give it a try—you’ll not only save time but also enjoy a wholesome, colorful meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!
PrintEasy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy classic Mexican flavors with tender, seasoned chicken and colorful peppers all cooked on one pan. Served with a tangy Cotija Verde Sauce and warmed tortillas, it’s perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons salted butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons taco seasoning (see notes for homemade)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 poblano pepper, sliced
- 8-10 tortillas, warmed
- Avocado, limes, and cilantro, for serving
Cotija Verde Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo or more Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup salsa verde
- 1-3 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables.
- Toss Chicken: On a large baking sheet, combine the thinly sliced chicken breasts with butter or olive oil, chopped garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to evenly coat the chicken.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, poblano pepper, and onion to the baking sheet. Season with additional salt and pepper, then toss everything again to combine. Spread the mixture out evenly across the pan.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the peppers and onions start to char, enhancing their flavor.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken bakes, mix together Greek yogurt, mayo (or extra Greek yogurt), salsa verde, chopped pickled jalapeños, and cilantro in a bowl. Season to taste with salt.
- Assemble Fajitas: Warm the tortillas and fill them with the baked chicken, peppers, and onions. Top with avocado slices, a drizzle of the cotija verde sauce, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For homemade taco seasoning, mix 1-2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Use olive oil for a dairy-free version instead of butter.
- Adjust the pickled jalapeños in the sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with additional lime wedges to add brightness to the fajitas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg