Name: Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced; 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), sliced; 1 yellow capsicum (bell pepper), sliced; 1 red onion, sliced; Tortillas; Sour cream; Guacamole; Salsa; Fresh coriander

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that is bursting with flavor, super simple to prepare, and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken thighs or breasts roasted to juicy perfection alongside sweet, crisp bell peppers and red onions, all smothered in an irresistible smoky-spiced coating. It’s vibrant, easy, and comes together on a single tray, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings warmth and excitement right to your table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a mix of cooked chicken pieces and sliced vegetables. The chicken is brown and looks tender, mixed with chunky red, yellow, and purple bell pepper strips. There are also thick slices of purple onion scattered throughout. The ingredients are coated lightly with a brown spice mix. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the distinctive Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe flavor. The spices provide that classic smoky, zesty fajita kick, while fresh vegetables add color and natural sweetness. This simple lineup makes pulling together a satisfying meal quick and easy.

3 Tbsp olive oil: Essential for coating the chicken and veggies, helping the spices stick and adding lovely richness.
2 tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth and savory warmth that complements the cumin and paprika perfectly.
2 tsp ground cumin: Brings an earthy, slightly peppery tone that really defines the fajita base.
2 tsp ground coriander: Adds a gentle citrusy fragrance for brightness and balance.
2 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses the dish with that signature smoky flavor that makes fajitas so memorable.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors while tenderizing the chicken slightly.
500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced: Your protein star, juicy and perfect for quick roasting.
1 red capsicum, sliced: Sweet and vibrant, adding both color and crunch.
1 yellow capsicum, sliced: Another splash of color and a mildly sweet contrast to the spices.
1 red onion, sliced: Adds a nice bite and a subtle sweetness that softens with roasting.
Tortillas: For wrapping all that tasty goodness into a handheld meal.
Sour cream: Provides creamy tang to cool down the spiced chicken.
Guacamole: Adds richness and an extra layer of flavor with fresh avocado.
Salsa: Brings a fresh, zesty kick to brighten every bite.
Fresh coriander: Sprinkled on top for a burst of herbal freshness and color.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and spices

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C fan bake, ensuring it’s hot and ready to roast the chicken and veggies perfectly. While the oven warms, mix all the spices — garlic powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and salt — in a large bowl. This blend is the heart and soul of the Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe, giving that incredible fajita flavor without any fuss.

Step 2: Coat the chicken and vegetables

Add the sliced chicken, red and yellow capsicums, and red onion into the spice mixture. Toss everything really well so each piece is evenly coated with those delicious spices and olive oil. This step is where all the flavors start to meld, setting up a beautifully fragrant tray bake that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Arrange and bake

Transfer the spiced chicken and vegetables to an oven-proof dish in a single layer. This ensures everything roasts evenly, with the chicken cooking thoroughly and the peppers and onions caramelizing just right. Slide it into the oven and roast uncovered for about 30 minutes. When done, the chicken should be perfectly cooked — juicy inside with a little golden edge — and the veggies tender with a touch of sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble and serve

Remove the tray from the oven and get ready to build your fajitas. Spoon the chicken and veggies directly onto warm tortillas, then top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. The combination of smoky, spicy chicken and fresh, creamy toppings is absolutely mouthwatering and makes this Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with cooked pieces of brown chicken mixed with red and yellow bell pepper strips and soft purple onion slices, sprinkled with fresh green cilantro leaves on top; the dish shows some browned edges around the food. Around the dish, there are several white tortillas stacked, a small white bowl of bright green guacamole, a small white bowl of red salsa, and another small white bowl with white sour cream. The surface under everything is white marble with light gray veins. A woman's hand holds metal tongs near the bottom right corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can take your Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe from great to unforgettable. Besides the classic coriander, consider adding thin slices of fresh chili for heat, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or even some crumbled queso fresco for extra creaminess. These little touches personalize the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

This tray bake stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with classic Mexican sides. Think fluffy Mexican rice, black beans, or even a crisp green salad with a zesty lime dressing. Each side adds a complementary texture or flavor that rounds out the meal with ease.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like mixing it up? Serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of warm quinoa or inside crunchy taco salad bowls for a fun twist. You can also turn the leftovers into fajita quesadillas or top nachos for an easy game-night snack. The Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe is flexible and forgiving in the best way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The chicken and veggies stay flavorful for up to 3 days, making for excellent next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which is great for planning ahead. Just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a pan or microwave just until heated through, being careful not to overcook the chicken. Refresh the tortillas separately to keep them soft and pliable. Add fresh garnishes again to bring back that vibrant fajita feel.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender while roasting. Feel free to use either thighs or breasts depending on your preference.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If smoked paprika isn’t on hand, regular paprika is a fine substitute. You’ll miss a bit of that smoky flavor, but the dish will still be delicious thanks to the other spices.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prep the spice coating and slice the chicken and veggies the day before to save time. Just store the mixture covered in the fridge, then bake fresh on the day you want to serve it.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! The Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe reheats beautifully, and you can portion it out with rice or salads for quick, flavorful meals throughout the week.

What tortilla type works best?

Soft flour tortillas are the classic choice for fajitas because they fold easily and have a mild flavor that pairs well with the spices. Corn tortillas also work well if you prefer a gluten-free option or a bit of extra texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to meals for when I want big flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s straightforward, adaptable, and brings everyone running to the table. Give it a try, and you’ll see how a few simple ingredients and one tray can turn into something simply spectacular.

Chicken Fajita Tray Bake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need