Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 45 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 2 hrs 43 min
Cost: $36.85 total, $9.21 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless; cut each breast in half)
- 2.5 Tbsp Maggi Seasoning (Liquid seasoning sauce)
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder (Granulated)
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning (Contains salt)
- 2 Tbsp Lime Juice (Juice of 1 medium‑large lime)
- 1.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2.5 Tbsp Cooking Oil (Neutral oil such as canola or vegetable)
- 2 Tbsp Texas Originals Chicken Fajita Seasoning (Store‑bought fajita blend)
- 2 Bell Peppers (One red, one green; sliced)
- 1 Onion (Medium‑large, sliced)
- 1.5 cup Long Grain Rice (Rinsed and drained)
- 1.5 Tbsp Tomato Chicken Bouillon Powder (Dissolved in water with rice)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Cracked)
- 3 cup Water
- 1 Avocado (Small or half a large; for guacamole)
- 2 Tbsp Red Onion (Finely diced for guacamole)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half, place them in a zip‑top bag, add Maggi seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, lime juice, smoked paprika, cooking oil, and Texas Originals fajita seasoning. Seal the bag, massage to coat, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Time: PT15M
Prepare Vegetables
Slice the red and green bell peppers and the onion. Lightly oil the baking sheet and spread the vegetables in an even layer.
Time: PT10M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 450°F
Bake Chicken
Remove the chicken from the fridge, let it sit 15 minutes, then place the whole pieces on top of the bed of vegetables. Sprinkle any remaining dry rub over the top and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 450°F
Rest Chicken
Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Time: PT15M
Toast Rice
In a skillet, heat a drizzle of cooking oil over medium‑low heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Season Rice
Sprinkle ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, and tomato chicken bouillon over the toasted rice. Stir for 1 minute to combine.
Time: PT1M
Simmer Rice
Add 3 cups of water, increase heat to bring to a rapid simmer, then lower to a gentle boil, cover, and cook for 15‑18 minutes.
Time: PT18M
Rest Rice
Turn off the heat and let the covered rice sit for an additional 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Fluff Rice
Uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Time: PT2M
Make Guacamole
In a bowl, mash the avocado, add finely diced red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined; keep chunky or mash smoother to taste.
Time: PT5M
Slice Chicken
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and return them to the sheet pan to mingle with the cooked vegetables.
Time: PT5M
Assemble & Serve
Dish out a portion of rice, top with chicken strips and sautéed peppers/onions, and add a side of guacamole. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (use gluten‑free bouillon), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast
- Instead of Maggi Seasoning: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced fresh onion (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Lemon zest + black pepper
- Instead of Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Cooking Oil: Olive oil (light)
- Instead of Texas Originals Chicken Fajita Seasoning: Homemade fajita spice blend
- Instead of Bell Peppers: Yellow or orange peppers
- Instead of Onion: Sweet onion
- Instead of Long Grain Rice: Basmati rice
- Instead of Tomato Chicken Bouillon Powder: Chicken broth cubes
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Cumin seeds (toasted & ground)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Avocado: Mashed ripe banana (for texture)
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Zip‑Top Bag
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Tongs (optional)
- Food‑Scale (optional) (optional)
- Meat Thermometer
- Mixing Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour
- Baking chicken at high heat (450°F) until internal 165°F
- Not lifting the lid while the rice simmers
- Allowing chicken to rest before slicing
Chef Tips from the Video
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Add a splash of orange juice to the guacamole for a subtle citrus twist.
- For extra smoky flavor, use chipotle powder in the fajita seasoning.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns out dry
Do not overbake; check internal temperature early. Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
Rice is mushy or sticks to the pan
Do not lift the lid during cooking and keep the heat low after the boil. Use a heavy‑bottomed skillet.
Vegetables are soggy
Spread them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. High oven heat helps them caramelize quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken, rice, and guacamole in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep guacamole covered with plastic wrap touching the surface.
Freezer: Freeze sliced cooked chicken and rice in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating. Do not freeze guacamole.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
- Cook the Mexican rice a day ahead; reheat with a splash of water.
- Prepare guacamole and store with plastic wrap on top to minimize browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of sheet pan chicken fajitas in Mexican cuisine?
Fajitas originated in the ranch lands of northern Mexico where cattle workers would grill skirt steak over open flames. Over time, the concept expanded to include chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, becoming a beloved Tex‑Mex staple served with tortillas, lime, and fresh toppings.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken fajitas in Mexican and Tex‑Mex cuisine?
In traditional Mexican cooking, fajitas are often served simply with grilled meat, onions, and bell peppers on a warm corn tortilla. Tex‑Mex versions add extra seasonings, lime juice, and serve with sides like Mexican rice, beans, and guacamole, as demonstrated in this recipe.
How is chicken fajitas traditionally served in Mexican street food culture?
Street vendors typically serve sizzling chicken fajitas on a hot metal platter, accompanied by fresh cilantro, sliced onions, lime wedges, and warm corn or flour tortillas for guests to assemble their own bites.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken fajitas traditionally associated with in Mexican and Tex‑Mex culture?
Fajitas are popular for casual gatherings, family picnics, and weekend barbecues. They’re also a go‑to dish for Cinco de Mayo celebrations and festive taco nights because they’re quick, communal, and customizable.
What makes this sheet pan chicken fajita recipe special or unique in Mexican‑inspired cooking?
Cooking everything on one sheet pan reduces cleanup and allows the chicken juices to mingle with the caramelized peppers and onions, creating a unified flavor profile that’s both convenient and authentically bold.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sheet pan chicken fajitas?
Common errors include overcooking the chicken, overcrowding the pan which steams rather than roasts the veggies, and lifting the lid while the rice simmers, which releases steam and can cause uneven cooking.
Why does this sheet pan chicken fajita recipe use a high oven temperature of 450°F instead of a lower bake?
A high temperature quickly sears the chicken and caramelizes the vegetables, replicating the charred flavor of a traditional grill while keeping the meat juicy. Lower temperatures would result in steamed, less flavorful pieces.
Can I make the sheet pan chicken fajitas ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and after cooking, store the chicken, peppers, and onions in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the sheet pan chicken fajitas are done?
The chicken should be golden‑brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The peppers and onions should be lightly charred at the edges but still retain a slight crunch.
How do I know when the Mexican rice is perfectly cooked?
When the rice is tender, the water is fully absorbed, and the grains are fluffy with a light golden hue from the toasted spices. No liquid should remain at the bottom of the pan.
What does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specialize in?
Simply Mamá Cooks focuses on approachable, family‑friendly Latin American and Mexican home‑cooking recipes, offering step‑by‑step videos that emphasize flavor, simplicity, and minimal cleanup.
How does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Simply Mamá Cooks blends traditional Mexican flavors with modern, time‑saving techniques like sheet‑pan cooking, and she often provides budget‑friendly ingredient swaps, making authentic dishes accessible for everyday home cooks.
Last updated: September 5, 2026








