Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Meal

Craving the sizzling flavors of fajitas but don’t want the mess of stovetop cooking or the hassle of grilling? Look no further! These oven-baked chicken fajitas are the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight meal. They require minimal prep, are packed with flavor, and clean up is a breeze. This recipe brings all the classic fajita tastes right to your dinner table, with juicy chicken, tender-crisp vegetables, and customizable toppings.

## Why Oven Baked Fajitas?

Traditional fajitas are often cooked in a skillet or on a grill. While delicious, these methods can be time-consuming and messy. Oven baking offers several advantages:

* **Ease of Preparation:** Simply toss the ingredients together on a baking sheet and let the oven do the work. No constant stirring or monitoring is required.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** One baking sheet means less to wash.
* **Even Cooking:** The oven ensures that the chicken and vegetables cook evenly, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked veggies.
* **Flavorful Results:** The high heat of the oven helps to caramelize the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Healthier Option:** Baking requires less oil than frying, making it a healthier way to enjoy fajitas.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for fajitas. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. About 1.5-2 pounds.
* **Bell Peppers:** A mix of different colored bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green) adds visual appeal and a variety of flavors.
* **Onion:** Yellow or white onion works best. Slice it into strips similar to the peppers.
* **Fajita Seasoning:** You can use store-bought fajita seasoning or make your own (recipe below!).
* **Olive Oil:** For tossing the ingredients and preventing them from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Lime Juice:** Fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor.
* **Tortillas:** Flour or corn tortillas, warmed for serving.

**For Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional):**

* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**Toppings (Optional):**

* Salsa
* Guacamole
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Shredded Cheese
* Cilantro
* Lime Wedges
* Jalapeños (pickled or fresh)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect oven-baked chicken fajitas:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
* Place the chicken strips in a large bowl.

**2. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* Wash and dry the bell peppers. Remove the stems and seeds, and slice them into thin strips, similar in size to the chicken.
* Peel and slice the onion into thin strips.
* Add the bell pepper and onion strips to the bowl with the chicken.

**3. Season the Fajita Mixture:**

* Drizzle the chicken and vegetables with olive oil. Use about 2 tablespoons, ensuring everything is lightly coated.
* Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the mixture. Use about 2-3 tablespoons, depending on your preference. If using homemade seasoning, mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl first.
* Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. This will add a bright, citrusy flavor and help to tenderize the chicken.
* Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the oil, seasoning, and lime juice.

**4. Bake the Fajitas:**

* Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet. For easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Halfway through the baking time (after about 10-12 minutes), toss the fajita mixture with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

**5. Warm the Tortillas:**

* While the fajitas are baking, warm the tortillas. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds, or in the oven wrapped in foil for about 5-10 minutes.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
* Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture to a serving dish.
* Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings. Let everyone assemble their own fajitas.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your fajitas, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or poblano peppers.
* **Use Different Proteins:** While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute other proteins, such as steak, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the fajita mixture for extra heat.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the fajita seasoning and lime juice for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can even marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
* **Broil for Extra Char:** For a slightly charred effect, broil the fajitas for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Customize the Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Experiment with different salsas, cheeses, and other additions to create your perfect fajita.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan**: Substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms or cauliflower florets. Use vegan fajita seasoning or adjust the recipe to exclude animal products from the homemade seasoning. Ensure all toppings used are plant based.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prepare the Vegetables:** You can slice the bell peppers and onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Mix the Fajita Seasoning:** You can mix the dry ingredients for the homemade fajita seasoning ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** As mentioned above, marinating the chicken ahead of time will enhance its flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

These oven-baked chicken fajitas are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with side dishes, such as:

* **Mexican Rice:** A classic accompaniment to fajitas.
* **Black Beans:** A healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or roasted corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Chips and Salsa:** For a casual and festive meal.
* **Queso Dip:** A warm and cheesy dip for chips or tortillas.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on toppings and serving size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.)

## Storing Leftovers

* Store leftover chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
* Warm tortillas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

## Conclusion

These oven-baked chicken fajitas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. With customizable toppings and endless variations, you can create your own unique fajita experience. So, ditch the skillet and embrace the convenience of oven-baked fajitas! Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

## Recipe Card

**Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas**

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
* 2 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into strips
* 1 yellow or white onion, sliced into strips
* 2-3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Juice of 1 lime
* Flour or corn tortillas, warmed
* Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken strips, bell pepper strips, and onion strips.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fajita seasoning, and squeeze lime juice over the mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Toss halfway through baking.
6. Warm tortillas according to package directions.
7. Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

**Notes:**

* For spicier fajitas, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning or include a chopped jalapeño.
* Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavor.
* Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra char, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Enjoy!