Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
By: Toya. L
These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a vibrant and zesty twist on the classic fajitas, bursting with bold flavors that dance on your taste buds. Tender strips of chicken are marinated in a tantalizing blend of fresh lime juice, chili lime seasoning, garlic, and oregano, infusing every bite with a perfect balance of tangy citrus and smoky spice. The chicken is then tossed with a medley of colorful bell peppers, jalapenos, garlic and onions, and baked until they’re slightly charred and caramelized, adding a sweet and savory depth to the dish. Served on warm tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh guacamole, these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas offer a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that are as satisfying as they are irresistible.
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Are Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas healthy?
Sheet Pan Fajitas can be a healthy meal option, depending on how they’re prepared. They provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The Bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables used in the fajitas are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They add color and a variety of nutrients to the meal. Flour tortillas can be high in calories and refined carbs. Opting for a low carb tortilla will reduce the carb intake.
❤️What is there to love about Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas❤️
- Simple One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, making preparation and cleanup easy. You don’t need multiple pots and pans, which saves time and effort.
- Minimal Prep: The recipe typically involves chopping vegetables, seasoning the chicken, and tossing everything onto the sheet pan. It’s quick to prepare, especially for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Seasoning: The combination of spices like chili lime, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano creates a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s packed with a Tex-Mex punch.
- Caramelization: Roasting the vegetables and chicken in the oven allows them to develop a slight char, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The dish is appealing to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family meals or gatherings. The interactive nature of assembling fajitas can be fun for everyone.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Ingredients:
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers, jalapenos, and red onion into thin strips. Slice the garlic and chop up some cilantro. Next thinly slice the chicken breasts into strips.
- Season the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the chicken strips 2 tbsp of olive oil and seasonings. Squeeze half of a lime into the mixture. Mix until well blended. Next add the sliced vegetables, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Mix everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly on a large baking sheet. Make sure everything is in a single layer for even cooking. Top with the chopped cilantro.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Prepare Guacamole: In a small bowl mix together the avocado, squeeze half of a lime, and the salt until mix well.
- Warm up the tortillas: Add the tortillas to the stove the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and vegetables in warm tortillas. You can spread a layer of guacamole or cream cheese on the tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or extra lime wedges.
- Enjoy: Roll up your fajitas and enjoy this flavorful, easy-to-make meal!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken breast thinly sliced
- 1 pack Low carb tortillas
- 3 large Bell peppers different colors
- 1 small Red onion
- 2 small Jalapenos deseeded
- 3 Garlic cloves sliced
- 1 tbsp Chili lime
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1 Lime
- 2 tbsp Cilantro
Guacamole
- 1 Avocado
- 1/2 Lime
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers, jalapenos, and red onion into thin strips. Slice the garlic and chop up some cilantro. Next thinly slice the chicken breasts into strips.
- Season the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the chicken strips 2 tbsp of olive oil and seasonings. Squeeze half of a lime into the mixture. Mix until well blended. Next add the sliced vegetables, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Mix everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly on a large baking sheet. Make sure everything is in a single layer for even cooking. Top with the chopped cilantro
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through cooking for even browning. Prepare Guacamole: In a small bowl mix together the avocado, squeeze half of a lime, and the salt until mix well.
- Prepare Guacamole: In a small bowl mix together the avocado, squeeze half of a lime, and the salt until mix well.
- Warm up the tortillas: Add the tortillas to the stove the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and vegetables in warm tortillas. You can spread a layer of guacamole or cream cheese on the tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or extra lime wedges.
- Enjoy: Roll up your fajitas and enjoy this flavorful, easy-to-make meal!
Video
Nutrition
Tips for Low Carb Sheet Pan Tortillas:
- Low-Carb Tortillas: If you prefer the feel of a tortilla, opt for low-carb or keto-friendly tortillas that are available in many stores.
- Vegetable Choices: Stick to low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Avoid starchy vegetables like corn or potatoes, which can add unnecessary carbs.
- Extra Veggies: Add more low-carb veggies to bulk up the dish without adding carbs. Cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach can be great additions.
- Cooking Fats: Use healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil to coat your chicken and vegetables. These fats not only enhance flavor but also support a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
- Toppings: Avocado or guacamole is a great low carb topping that adds healthy fats and creaminess to your fajitas.
- Avoid Sugary Marinades: Stick to seasoning with spices, lime juice, and oil rather than marinades that might contain sugars or high-carb ingredients.
Flavor Variations:
- Citrus Herb Fajitas: Combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, and oregano.
- Spicy Chipotle Fajitas: Mix chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a bit of adobo sauce from canned chipotles.
- Mediterranean Fajitas: Use a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Top with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of parsley.
- Garlic Parmesan Fajitas: Toss the chicken and veggies with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese before roasting.
- Teriyaki Fajitas: Combine soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or a sugar substitute for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and serve with a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
- Caribbean Jerk Fajitas: Mix jerk seasoning (or a blend of allspice, thyme, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne) with lime juice, and olive oil. Top with mango salsa and chopped cilantro for a tropical touch.
Storing, freezing, thawing, and reheating instructions:
Storing: Refrigeration: Allow the cooked fajitas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in Portions: Divide the cooled fajitas into portion-sized freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Thawing: Refrigerator Thawing: For best results, transfer the frozen fajitas to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Quick Thawing: If you need to thaw them quickly, place the sealed bag of fajitas in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Reheating: Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the thawed fajitas on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Stovetop Reheating: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the thawed fajitas and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Microwave Reheating: Place the fajitas in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of meat? Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—beef might take a bit longer, while shrimp cooks faster.
- Can I make Sheet Pan Fajitas ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prep the ingredients, season the chicken and vegetables, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can cook the fajitas in advance and reheat them as needed. This is a great meal prep option.
- How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy? To keep the vegetables crisp, make sure to spread them in a single layer on the sheet pan and avoid overcrowding. Using a preheated oven also helps in achieving a good caramelization without steaming the veggies.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The slices should be white and no longer pink in the center.
- What can I serve with Sheet Pan Fajitas? Cauliflower rice or a leafy green salad. guacamole, salsa, a light coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Fresh vegetables are best for fajitas, as they roast better and don’t release as much water. However, if you must use frozen vegetables, be sure to thaw and drain them well before using and expect a slightly different texture.