Easy Oven Fajitas
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When it comes to effortless yet deeply satisfying meals, oven-baked fajitas are in a league of their own. This method eliminates the mess of stovetop cooking while intensifying flavors through gentle roasting. The result? Perfectly caramelized vegetables and tender, spice-infused chicken all without hovering over a hot pan.
Why Oven Fajitas?
Traditional fajitas are made in a searing-hot skillet, which, while delicious, can be smoky and labor-intensive. The oven, however, does the heavy lifting. The heat evenly distributes, allowing the peppers, onions, and chicken to reach peak tenderness without drying out. Plus, roasting naturally enhances their sweetness, balancing out the warmth of classic fajita spices.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Fajitas:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Slice & Season
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, bell peppers, and onions. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze in fresh lime juice. Sprinkle the homemade fajita seasoning evenly over everything, then toss well to coat.
3. Roast to Perfection
Spread the mixture out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are lightly charred.
4. Broil for Extra Char (Optional)
For an authentic fajita-style seared edge, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just until the edges of the peppers caramelize.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Warm the tortillas, load them with the juicy roasted chicken and vegetables, and top with fresh cilantro. Serve with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a restaurant-quality finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Fajitas
✔ Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan—spreading ingredients out helps them roast instead of steam.
✔ Make it ahead: Marinate everything in a zip-top bag for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
✔ For low-carb fajitas, swap tortillas for lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice.
This one-pan oven fajita recipe transforms a Tex-Mex classic into a fuss-free weeknight meal, bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, the oven does the hard work—leaving you with tender, smoky, and perfectly spiced fajitas every time.