One Pan Chicken Fajita: Amazing 15 Min Prep

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One pan chicken fajita pasta has become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights. I remember the first time I tried making fajitas from scratch, it felt like a ton of dishes. Then, I discovered how to make one pan chicken fajitas, and my world changed! This easy chicken fajita recipe one pan combines everything in a skillet – seasoned chicken, vibrant peppers, and tender pasta, all bathed in a zesty sauce. The aroma alone, a mix of sizzling spices and sweet peppers, fills my kitchen and makes my mouth water. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that’s ready in under an hour. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Chicken Fajita

This one pan chicken fajita recipe is a weeknight game-changer for so many reasons:

• Incredible Flavor: Juicy chicken, crisp-tender peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta all come together in a savory fajita sauce.
• Super Quick Prep: With minimal chopping, this easy chicken fajita recipe one pan comes together in about 15 minutes of prep.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, it’s a satisfying and nutritious meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients that won’t break the bank, making it a great value meal.
• Kid-Approved: The mild fajita seasoning and familiar pasta make this a hit with even picky eaters.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax.
• Versatile: This easy chicken fajita recipe one pan is easily adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients for One Pan Chicken Fajitas

Gathering your sheet pan chicken fajita ingredients is the first simple step to this delicious meal. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The key to its success lies in the quality of a few simple items:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – this healthy fat helps brown the chicken and veggies beautifully.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – lean protein that cooks quickly.
• 1 packet fajita seasoning – a pre-mixed blend that brings that classic Tex-Mex flavor.
• 1 medium onion, sliced – adds a sweet, savory depth when cooked.
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced – for vibrant color, sweetness, and a slight crunch.
• 8 ounces pasta (like penne or rotini) – choose a shape that holds sauce well; uncooked pasta is key here!
• 2 cups chicken broth – provides the liquid for cooking the pasta and infusing flavor.
• 1 cup salsa – adds moisture, acidity, and a touch of heat.
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – for a gooey, melty topping that brings it all together.

How to Make One Pan Chicken Fajitas

Let’s get this deliciousness started! Making these skillet chicken fajitas is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is a flavorful, satisfying meal with hardly any cleanup. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these cook is just divine!

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large oven-safe skillet – this is your magic vessel for these one pan chicken fajitas.
2. Step 2: Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into your skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them generously with the 1 packet fajita seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides.
3. Step 3: Now, toss in the 1 medium onion, sliced and the 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced. Sauté these veggies with the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they start to soften and smell amazing.
4. Step 4: It’s time for the pasta! Stir in the 8 ounces pasta (like penne or rotini) along with the 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup salsa. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer right in the skillet.
5. Step 5: Cover the skillet tightly with foil. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the pasta is perfectly cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from the oven. Uncover it and sprinkle the 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, for another 2-3 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted and delightfully bubbly. Serve your amazing skillet chicken fajitas directly from the pan. Enjoy this truly all in one pan chicken fajitas creation!

Pro Tips for the Best One Pan Chicken Fajitas

Want to elevate your one pan chicken fajitas? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a world of difference. These simple tips will ensure your meal is flavorful, perfectly cooked, and a total breeze to make.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken; cook in batches if necessary for a good sear.
• Slice your peppers and onions uniformly so they cook evenly.
• Taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasoning if needed; fajita seasoning packets can vary in saltiness.
• Let the finished dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

What’s the secret to perfect one pan chicken fajitas?

The absolute secret to the best one pan chicken fajitas is using the right liquid-to-pasta ratio and ensuring the pasta is fully submerged before it goes into the oven. This allows it to cook evenly and absorb all those delicious fajita flavors. For more on cooking techniques, you can check out our cooking tips.

Can I make one pan chicken fajitas ahead of time?

Yes! For ultimate convenience, you can do your chicken fajita dinner prep one pan style ahead of time. Chop your veggies and chicken, and measure out your seasoning. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble and cook when ready for a super quick meal. For more on food storage, see our privacy policy which touches on ingredient handling.

How do I avoid common mistakes with one pan chicken fajitas?

A common pitfall is undercooked pasta. Ensure your pasta is submerged in liquid. Another mistake is not letting the chicken brown properly; this develops crucial flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time – it really helps the dish come together. Learn more about common cooking mistakes on our terms of use page.

Best Ways to Serve One Pan Chicken Fajitas

This versatile dish is fantastic on its own, but serving it up with a few extras really makes it a complete meal. These chicken fajita dinner ideas one pan style are simple yet satisfying. My favorite way to enjoy these one pan chicken fajitas is straight from the skillet, topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside fluffy rice or warm tortillas. You could also pile the chicken and veggie mixture into taco shells or lettuce wraps for a different experience. For more serving suggestions, visit our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for One Pan Chicken Fajitas

Per serving, this flavorful one pan chicken fajitas recipe offers a balanced mix of nutrients. Enjoying this simple chicken fajita meal is a great way to get a satisfying dinner without extra fuss. For more information on nutritional guidelines, consult resources like the MyPlate initiative.

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat All in One Pan Chicken Fajitas

Leftovers of these delicious all in one pan chicken fajitas are fantastic for lunches or another quick dinner. Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. You can store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, these one pan chicken fajitas freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are properly sealed to prevent freezer burn. For more details on food safety, refer to our GDPR information.

To reheat, you have a couple of great options. For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring halfway. If you have a bit more time, gently reheat the fajita pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This method helps retain that wonderful texture and flavor, making your leftovers taste almost as good as the first time!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Chicken Fajitas

What are one pan chicken fajitas?

One pan chicken fajitas are a type of meal where all the ingredients – typically chicken, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings – are cooked together in a single pan, often a skillet or baking sheet. This method minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor as everything cooks and melds together. It’s a fantastic way to get all the vibrant tastes of traditional fajitas with significantly less effort.

Why use one pan for chicken fajitas?

Using just one pan for your chicken fajitas is a culinary lifesaver! The primary reason is drastically reduced cleanup – fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal. Beyond that, cooking everything together allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish. It also simplifies the cooking process, making it accessible even for beginners. For more about our site’s philosophy, see contact us.

Can I use different types of chicken for one pan chicken fajitas?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are common, you can certainly swap them out. Thighs work wonderfully and often stay even juicier. Just be mindful that thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through than breasts. The key is to ensure the chicken is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly with the vegetables.

How do I ensure the vegetables aren’t mushy in my one pan chicken fajitas?

To avoid mushy veggies, make sure you slice your onions and bell peppers evenly. Also, don’t overcook them in the initial sautéing step before adding the pasta and liquid. They should be tender-crisp. The baking time is primarily for cooking the pasta, so the veggies will finish cooking without becoming overly soft.

Variations of One Pan Chicken Fajitas You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic one pan chicken fajitas, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to adapt this recipe to your liking. For a lighter option, try making healthy one pan chicken fajitas by swapping chicken breasts for lean turkey or extra veggies like zucchini and corn. If you’re watching carbs, you can easily create low carb one pan chicken fajitas by using cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles instead of traditional pasta. Another fun twist is to experiment with different spice blends like a smoky chipotle or a zesty lime-cilantro seasoning to change up the flavor profile.

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