If you’re craving fajitas but want to skip the fuss of stove-top cooking and messy cast iron pans, you’re going to adore this Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe. It’s hands-down one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s incredibly simple, healthy, and packed with vibrant flavors. Plus, it’s all done on a single baking sheet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal — win-win, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Everything bakes together on one tray, saving time and dishes.
- Healthy and Colorful: Loaded with fresh bell peppers and onions, making it as nutritious as it is tasty.
- Flavorful and Versatile: Simple spices create rich, authentic fajita flavor that pleases everyone.
- Family Favorite: My family can’t get enough of this easy, weeknight winner that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe really comes from the harmony between the spices and fresh veggies. Using fresh bell peppers adds a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the bold cumin and chili powder. Don’t skip on the diced tomatoes with chilies — they add a juicy kick and moisture to the whole dish.
- Chicken breasts: Butterflying thick breasts helps them cook evenly and faster—trust me, it makes a huge difference.
- Chili powder: Gives that signature fajita kick, but feel free to adjust if you like it milder or spicier.
- Cumin: Adds warm, earthy tones that are essential to fajitas.
- Oregano: Just a pinch enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the other spices.
- Granulated garlic: Garlic in spice form works beautifully here — no chopping required but big flavor impact.
- Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors for the most vibrant and tasty results.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and crunch, caramelizing nicely in the oven.
- Diced tomatoes with chilies: These bring a subtle heat and keep everything juicy while baking.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for an extra punch of garlicky goodness.
- Coarse salt & pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning everything just right.
Variations
I love making this Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe my own by switching up the veggies or toppings depending on the season and mood. It’s such a flexible recipe—you really can’t go wrong experimenting!
- Spicy upgrade: When I crave heat, I toss in some sliced jalapeños or add cayenne pepper to the spice mix; it totally wakes things up.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for thick slices of portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat. My veggie-lover friends adore this version.
- Low-carb option: Serve fajita filling over cauliflower rice instead of tortillas for a lighter meal.
- Cheesy touch: My family sometimes sprinkles shredded cheddar or crumbled queso fresco on top before serving—pure comfort food that’s a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken and Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 425˚F (220˚C). If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them by slicing horizontally almost all the way through and opening them like a book—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easier clean-up. Season the chicken generously with the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and granulated garlic, then sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper. Layer the sliced peppers and onions right on top of the chicken to let those flavors meld as they bake.
Step 2: Add Juicy Tomatoes and Garlic
In a separate bowl, mix the diced tomatoes with chilies along with the minced fresh garlic and a pinch of salt. Spreading this mixture over the bell peppers and onions ensures everything roasts up with a juicy, slightly spicy burst of flavor. This step really ties all the ingredients together, making the veggies tender and packed with that sweet-and-savory goodness we love in fajitas.
Step 3: Bake and Watch the Magic Happen
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on those vegetables—they should soften and get a little browned on the edges, which adds a delicious caramelized flavor. Meanwhile, it’s important to check that your chicken reaches 165˚F internally to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. This dish is so straightforward but rewarding—the oven does all the hard work for you!
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This keeps it juicy and tender. Then, simply serve the sliced chicken right on the tray with those roasted peppers and onions. I love pairing this with warm tortillas and some of my favorite toppings—trust me, you’ll enjoy every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Butterfly Your Chicken: I discovered this trick when I kept overcooking chicken breasts while the veggies were perfect; it really helps everything cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give those peppers and onions room to roast and caramelize instead of steaming—spread everything out for best results.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken—once it hits 165°F, you’re good to go.
- Add Toppings Last-Minute: I avoid baking any dairy toppings, like cheese or sour cream, so they stay fresh and creamy at serving time.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnishes for these fajitas are fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and sliced avocado. I love how the lime brightens up the smoky spices and how the avocado adds a creamy, cooling contrast. Feel free to toss on some diced red onion or a dollop of sour cream—whatever you enjoy! For dairy-free options, guacamole or salsa works beautifully.
Side Dishes
I often serve these fajitas with warm corn tortillas for an authentic touch, plus a side of Mexican rice or simple black beans. Sometimes, a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette helps balance the meal if I’m keeping it light. My family also loves adding a bit of charred street corn (elote) when I have the extra time.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve laid out the fajita filling as a buffet and let everyone build their own fajitas with all the fixings—so fun for gatherings! Another fun idea I tried was layering the chicken and veggies on toasted flatbreads and topping with crumbled queso fresco and pickled red onions for a fajita-inspired flatbread pizza. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, separating the chicken and veggies from the tortillas to avoid sogginess. My family usually enjoys the leftovers within 2-3 days, reheated quickly for a hassle-free lunch or easy dinner.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the baked chicken and veggies successfully by cooling them completely, then placing them in freezer-safe bags. When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. This Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe freezes well and keeps its flavor, making it perfect for meal prep.
Reheating
When reheating, I usually pop the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 10-15 minutes to keep that roasted flavor intact. If you’re short on time, a quick microwave zap works too—just avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here and tend to stay juicier during baking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
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What are the best tortillas to serve with these fajitas?
I love using warm corn tortillas for a classic touch, especially since they’re gluten-free. Flour tortillas are great too if you prefer a softer texture. Warming them briefly in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven really brings out the flavor.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just skip cheese or sour cream toppings, or use non-dairy alternatives like avocado, salsa, or dairy-free sour cream to keep that creamy element without the dairy.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep by slicing the vegetables and marinating the chicken in the spices a few hours ahead or even overnight. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready—this makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe has become my secret weapon on busy nights when I want something homemade, wholesome, and bursting with flavor but don’t want to spend ages prepping. The blend of spices, juicy chicken, and roasted veggies always gets rave reviews from my family and friends. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your rotation too—easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing around the table.
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This oven baked chicken fajitas recipe offers a quick and healthy meal loaded with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and perfectly seasoned chicken breasts. Baked at a high temperature, the fajitas come together effortlessly on a single baking sheet, making cleanup simple while delivering tender chicken and flavorful vegetables. Naturally dairy-free and customizable with your favorite toppings, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 chicken breasts (butterflied if large)
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- Coarse salt & pepper (to taste)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 3 bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with chilies
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts to reduce cooking time. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and season evenly with chili powder, cumin, oregano, granulated garlic, and coarse salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning blend infuses the chicken with bold Southwestern flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced bell peppers and onions evenly over and around the chicken on the baking sheet, ensuring even roasting.
- Mix Tomato Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with chilies, minced garlic, and a pinch of coarse salt. Stir to blend these fresh, zesty flavors and spread this mixture evenly over the bell peppers and onions on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Fajitas: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The vegetables should become soft and slightly browned, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165˚F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, allow the chicken to rest briefly, then slice it before serving. Serve your oven baked chicken fajitas warm, with your choice of tortillas and toppings.
Notes
- This oven baked chicken fajitas recipe is the easiest way to make fajitas with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- They’re naturally dairy-free, making them suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
- The recipe is loaded with colorful vegetables for added nutrition and vibrant taste.
- For a gluten-free option, choose corn tortillas.
- You can customize toppings as you like, such as avocado, salsa, or fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 93 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 81 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg
