Pin It Bring the vibrant flavors of a Mexican cantina right into your kitchen with this Sheet Pan Fajita Bowl. It is a colorful, nutrient-dense meal that simplifies your evening routine without sacrificing taste. By roasting everything together on a single sheet, the juices from the seasoned chicken meld with the peppers and onions, creating a savory depth that pairs perfectly with a fresh base of rice or cauliflower rice.
Pin It The secret to this dish lies in the balance of spices—smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and a hint of garlic—which caramelize beautifully in the high heat of the oven. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a healthy family dinner, this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that allows everyone to customize their bowl with their favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- Protein: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips
- Vegetables: 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced; 1 large red onion, sliced; 1 zucchini, sliced (optional)
- Fajita Seasoning: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Base: 2 cups cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- Optional Toppings: 1 avocado, sliced; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo; ¼ cup shredded cheese; ¼ cup sour cream; lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, sliced bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini.
- Step 3
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and all fajita seasoning ingredients. Pour over the chicken and vegetables. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4
- Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Step 6
- While the fajita mixture is roasting, prepare rice or cauliflower rice according to package instructions.
- Step 7
- Divide the cooked rice or cauliflower rice among four bowls. Top each with the roasted chicken and fajita vegetables.
- Step 8
- Add your choice of optional toppings and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Use a large enough baking sheet to ensure the ingredients are in a single layer; crowding the pan will cause the vegetables to steam rather than roast. Parchment paper is highly recommended for easy cleanup and to prevent the seasoning from sticking to the pan.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with strips of portobello mushrooms or extra-firm tofu. You can also add black beans or corn to the tray during the last 10 minutes of roasting for extra texture and fiber.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this mixture over fluffy white rice or low-carb cauliflower rice. It also works wonderfully as a filling for warm tortillas. Pair your meal with a light Mexican lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the smoky spices.
Pin It Once the chicken is golden-brown and the vegetables have developed a slight char, your dinner is ready to be assembled. Top it off with fresh avocado and a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors, and enjoy a wholesome meal that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with portobello mushroom strips or extra-firm tofu. Both absorb the fajita seasoning beautifully and provide satisfying texture.
- → What other vegetables work well?
Beyond peppers and onions, try adding sliced mushrooms, corn kernels, or even butternut squash. Just keep pieces similarly sized for even roasting.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep the roasted chicken and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store rice separately and reheat everything in a skillet or microwave.
- → Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. Portion the roasted mixture and rice into individual containers, adding toppings just before eating. The flavors actually improve after a day or two.
- → What's the best way to reheat?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispiness, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.