Chicken Fajitas

By: @mariehealthyhill Marie Hemphill

If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and effortless meal that delivers vibrant flavors and keeps you feeling great, these sheet pan chicken fajitas are the perfect fit. Loaded with lean protein, colorful veggies, and a bright, zesty marinade, this recipe brings restaurant-quality fajitas right into your kitchen—all without the fuss.

The beauty of sheet pan meals lies in their simplicity: minimal cleanup, all the flavors come together in one place, and you can serve your fajitas with any of your favorite sides or garnishes. But what sets this dish apart is not just its ease—it's the incredible health benefits packed into each bite.   Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

For the Marinade (Serves 4):

• 1 cup olive oil
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice (squeezed is ideal)
• 3 limes, juiced
• ½ cup packed cilantro, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp oregano or cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced (use green, red, and yellow for a colorful mix)

For the Chicken:

• 4 split chicken breasts, thinly sliced in strips

For Serving:

• Tortillas (corn, flour, or lettuce wraps)
• Garnishes: cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, radishes, shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt or sour cream

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl or ziplock bag, mix together the olive oil, orange juice (if using), lime juice, cilantro, garlic, oregano or cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the thinly sliced chicken and onions to the marinade, making sure everything is coated well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, for the best flavor, overnight.

2. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two standard baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

3. Bake the Fajitas:

• Spread the marinated chicken and onions across one of the baking sheets.
• In the remaining marinade, toss the sliced bell peppers to coat them well. Then, spread the peppers on the other baking sheet.
• Place both trays in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Check the chicken by cutting into the largest piece to ensure it is fully cooked through (no pink in the center). If needed, continue baking in 3-minute increments until fully cooked.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken and vegetables cool slightly.
• Serve with your choice of tortillas or lettuce cups. Garnish with cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, shredded cabbage, radishes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, if desired.

Ingredients That Do More Than Just Taste Good

The marinade for this recipe is where the magic happens. Combining fresh citrus, herbs, and spices with nutrient-packed olive oil, the chicken gets infused with rich flavors while staying tender and juicy. Here’s why each element plays a starring role not just in taste, but in nutrition

• Olive Oil: A staple of Mediterranean cooking, olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Fresh Orange Juice and Limes: Bursting with vitamin C, these citrus fruits provide immune-boosting properties while adding brightness to the dish. Vitamin C also supports healthy skin and collagen production, so it’s more than just a flavor enhancer.
• Cilantro: More than just a garnish, cilantro offers antioxidants and can help your body detoxify, thanks to its ability to bind to heavy metals.
• Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits, garlic also adds a robust savory flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and oregano are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, giving this fajita marinade its warm, slightly smoky undertone while also supporting digestive health.

A Nutritional Power Duo: Chicken and Vegetables

At the heart of these fajitas is lean chicken breast, a fantastic source of high-quality protein. Each bite helps your body build and repair tissues, supports muscle growth, and keeps you full longer. Chicken breast is also naturally low in fat, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or reduce cholesterol levels.

Balancing out the chicken are colorful bell peppers and onions. Not only do these veggies create a stunning visual contrast on your plate, but they’re also full of essential vitamins and minerals:

• Bell Peppers: Whether you opt for red, green, or yellow, bell peppers are loaded with vitamin A, C, and E. These vitamins support eye health, boost your immune system, and provide anti-aging benefits through their antioxidant properties.
• Onions: Offering anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, onions are a must in any savory dish. They also contain prebiotics that support gut health, helping you digest and absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Effortless and Healthy Cooking

One of the best parts about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. All you need is a simple marinade, a baking sheet, and an oven. You’ll toss the marinated chicken and veggies onto the pan, spread them out, and let the oven work its magic. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a piping hot tray of fajitas ready to serve.

Plus, sheet pan cooking uses little to no added oil or butter, making it a naturally lighter way to prepare meals. It’s a smart option for anyone looking to reduce unhealthy fats without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve Your Fajitas

Once your fajitas are out of the oven and slightly cooled, it’s time to get creative with how you serve them. Here are a few healthy and delicious ways to enjoy them:

• Tortillas: Go with traditional corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or whole wheat for added fiber. If you're watching your carbs, try lettuce wraps for a fresh, crisp alternative.
• Garnishes: The possibilities are endless. Add creamy avocado slices for a dose of heart-healthy fats, shredded cabbage for crunch, or a dollop of Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute for sour cream. A few sprigs of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice take these fajitas to the next level.

Why These Fajitas Are Perfect for Your Weeknight

These sheet pan chicken fajitas aren’t just healthy—they’re incredibly practical. The entire process, from marinating to baking, takes minimal effort, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights. You can even prep the marinade the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse deeper into the chicken.

And when it’s time to clean up, you’ll love that there’s only one pan to wash, making your post-dinner routine a breeze.

The Health Benefits of a Balanced Meal

By combining lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables, this recipe hits all the marks for a well-rounded, nourishing meal. Protein from the chicken supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full, while the vibrant vegetables provide essential nutrients that boost your immune system and promote overall wellness. Paired with the healthy fats from olive oil and avocado, you’ll be feeding your body exactly what it needs to feel energized and satisfied.

Ready to add this simple, wholesome recipe to your weekly rotation? The fresh, zesty flavors and satisfying textures of these sheet pan chicken fajitas will have you coming back for more—without any guilt. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, and this dish proves that deliciousness and nutrition can go hand in hand.

Pro Tips for Best Results:

• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinating the chicken overnight deepens the flavors and makes meal prep a breeze the next day.
• Customize the Heat: For a spicier fajita, add some cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to the marinade.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use lettuce wraps or gluten-free tortillas for a light, gluten-free alternative.