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Easy Sheet Pan Fajitas Recipe with Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy sheet pan fajitas recipe featuring smoky, spicy peppers and tender chicken, paired with bright and tangy cilantro lime rice. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into thin strips
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lime (for rice)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for rice)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for rice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Slice chicken breasts into 1/2 inch wide strips. Slice bell peppers and onion into similar-sized strips. Mince garlic.
  3. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, fajita seasoning, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Toss chicken, peppers, and onions in the mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding.
  5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring gently halfway through (around 12 minutes) to promote even browning. Look for slightly charred edges and golden chicken pieces.
  6. While fajitas roast, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove rice from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and olive oil or butter. Adjust salt to taste.
  8. Serve the roasted fajitas alongside the cilantro lime rice. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

If fajitas seem dry, squeeze additional lime juice before serving. Tent cooked chicken with foil to keep warm if it finishes early. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper roasting and caramelization. Fresh lime juice is preferred over bottled for best flavor. You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan fajitas, cilantro lime rice, easy dinner, chicken fajitas, weeknight meal, roasted peppers, quick recipe, healthy fajitas