Quick Sheet Pan Chicken

Featured in: Hearty Meals for Every Table

If you're craving something quick and easy, these pan-style chicken fajitas will hit the spot. Just slice the chicken against the grain, toss it with peppers, onions, and your favorite spice blend. Throw everything onto a sheet and bake. Pile the cooked mix onto tortillas, then top with avocado, sour cream, or whatever you love. Lime juice and cilantro finish things off. You can prep ahead or stash some in the freezer for later. Super chill, super tasty!

A woman in a kitchen taking a selfie.
By Rosa Rosa
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 17:46:31 GMT
A big tray filled with colorful peppers, limes, and chicken. Pin it
A big tray filled with colorful peppers, limes, and chicken. | letscookiteasy.com

Forget fussing with separate pans. This easy sheet pan dinner loads up a single tray with all the good stuff for juicy, zesty fajitas and only a few dishes to wash. The bold flavors pack a punch and cleanup is a breeze.

For busy nights when I just can't deal with anything fancy, fajitas on a sheet pan save the day. My crew even likes these more than takeout—roasting in the oven packs in flavor you just can't get in a skillet.

Tasty Key Ingredients

  • Flour tortillas: The perfect way to pile on those flavorful fillings
  • Cumin: That classic earthy kick you expect from fajitas
  • Bell peppers trio: Bright, sweet, and colorful to mix things up
  • Canola or vegetable oil: Helps keep everything from sticking while roasting
  • Yellow onion: Sweetens and softens in the oven, packing every bite with flavor
  • Paprika: Brings a gentle sweet heat and gorgeous color
  • Fresh garlic: Big flavor—way better than just using powder
  • Chili powder: The flavor backbone you'll taste in every bite
  • Cilantro: Gives that pop of fresh green taste
  • Fresh lime juice: Tangy zip makes all those flavors brighter
  • Dried oregano: Adds a gentle herbal hint
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Slice it thin for juicy, tender bites that cook up fast
  • Onion and garlic powders: Quick and easy for bumping up taste

Simple Step-by-Step

Final Touches and Serve:
Squeeze a fresh lime all over the hot pan. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro right before serving. Fill tortillas with the delicious mix and pass around your favorite toppings for a build-your-own dinner.
Sizzle in the Oven:
Roast the whole pan at 425°F, about 15 minutes does the trick for juicy chicken and nicely browned veggies. Wrap tortillas in foil and warm them in the oven at the end so everything’s hot when you’re ready to eat.
Season and Spread:
Generously sprinkle seasoning over chicken, then the rest over veggies. Scatter minced garlic mostly over the chicken. Drizzle with oil and toss everything so it’s all coated. Make sure it’s spread out in one layer on the pan for best results.
Mix Up Your Spices:
Dump all the spices for seasoning into a little bowl and give them a good stir. Homemade always tastes better than packets and you can keep the salt just how you like. The cayenne gives just a gentle warmth, not a fiery kick.
Get Chicken and Veggies Ready:
Slice the chicken across the grain into half-inch wide strips so it stays tender. Cut peppers and onions to match for even cooking. Spread out the veggies on the pan and lay the chicken strips on top.
Grease That Pan:
Spray a roomy sheet pan well so nothing sticks. A pan with high enough sides keeps all those tasty juices from spilling everywhere. This trick saves on cleanup and gives you great browning.
A pan with tasty chicken, peppers, plus lime wedges. Pin it
A pan with tasty chicken, peppers, plus lime wedges. | letscookiteasy.com

Getting that spice blend just right took a bunch of tries, but wow, it was worth it. Even my picky kid who doesn't love spicy food goes wild for these, and my Texan husband swears they're on par with the best he's had. Roasting in the oven just makes all the flavors stronger and better.

Leftovers & Reheating

Pop any leftover fajita filling in a sealed container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 4 days. Stash tortillas separately so they don’t get soggy. Toss fillings in a skillet to warm ‘em up or zap them in the microwave for a couple minutes. The flavors actually meld and get even better by the next day.

Plan Ahead Tips

Save time later by cutting all your veggies and chicken up to a day early—just keep them in separate containers in the fridge. The spice mix will keep for weeks in an airtight jar. Want to freeze? Put your raw, seasoned chicken and veggies in a bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Make It Your Way

Switch up this meal for how you eat or what you have. Want it veggie? Try black beans, mushrooms, or sweet potato instead of chicken. Skip the tortillas and load the mix on lettuce or cauliflower rice for fewer carbs. Turn up or tone down the heat by playing with the cayenne.

How to Serve

Set up a fun fajita bar and let everyone build their plate. Guac, cheese, pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream make great add-ons. For a full dinner spread, offer Mexican rice and beans too. Just looking for a light bite? Pair with a simple green salad splashed with lime dressing.

A plate with a scoop of sour cream and plenty of fresh toppings. Pin it
A plate with a scoop of sour cream and plenty of fresh toppings. | letscookiteasy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep my chicken juicy?

Make sure to cut the chicken across the grain for more tenderness. Just keep an eye out and don't overdo it in the oven. Stop once it hits 165°F inside.

→ Is it possible to prep this in advance?

For sure! Go ahead and slice your chicken and veggies ahead of time, pop them in separate containers in the fridge. You can also shake up the spice mix and keep it in a jar till you're ready.

→ What are some good toppings?

Fan favorites are sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado or guac, chopped cilantro, and a scoop of pico de gallo.

→ Can I swap out the chicken for veggies?

Yep! Try black beans, cooked rice, mushrooms, or cubes of sweet potato instead of chicken for a plant-based take.

→ What sides go nicely with these fajitas?

Some tasty sides include a zesty slaw, Mexican rice, or refried beans. Chips and salsa or guacamole always work great too.

→ Is it OK to freeze the chicken and veggies?

Totally! Just season the raw chicken and chopped veggies, pop them in a freezer bag, and freeze up to a couple of months. Thaw overnight, then cook like usual.

Quick Sheet Pan Chicken

Toss chicken and veggies on a pan for a speedy, bold meal that saves on cleanup.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By Rosa: Rosa

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 5 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 8-10 small flour tortillas
02 1 lime
03 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
04 2 minced garlic cloves
05 1 yellow onion, sliced thin
06 3 different-colored bell peppers, cored and cut into strips
07 1 1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips against the grain
08 3 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil

→ Fajita Seasoning

09 Salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed
10 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
11 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
12 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
13 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
14 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
15 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
16 1 tablespoon chili powder

→ Toppings

17 Shredded cheese
18 Guacamole or sliced avocado
19 Fresh pico de gallo
20 Creamy sour cream

Instructions

Step 01

Spray a large sheet pan lightly with non-stick spray. Slice up the chicken and vegetables. Arrange the veggies in an even layer on the pan, placing the chicken strips over the top.

Step 02

Set the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and let it preheat.

Step 03

Mix all the spices for the seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle most onto the chicken, then the rest on the veggies. Spread minced garlic on the chicken, drizzle everything with the oil, and toss to mix it well. Make sure everything is laid flat afterward.

Step 04

Place in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes (the chicken’s internal temp needs to hit 165°F or 74°C). During the last 5 minutes of cooking, wrap tortillas in foil and heat them in the oven.

Step 05

Take out the tray from the oven. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cooked chicken and veggies. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top. Serve the mixture in warm tortillas with the toppings you like.

Notes

  1. Cut the chicken against the lines of the grain so it stays tender.
  2. Overcooked chicken gets dry, so keep a close watch while baking.
  3. To save time, prepare the seasoning mix and slice everything ahead.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large sheet pan
  • Sharp cutting knife
  • Small bowl for mixing
  • Cooking thermometer, if handy

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Flour tortillas include gluten.
  • Using toppings like cheese or sour cream adds dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 424
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 34 g