Oven-Baked Chicken Fajitas: A Beginner’s Dream Recipe

Ingredients

• 300 g (11 oz) Chicken breast – Cut into chunks for even cooking.
• 1 tablespoon Chili powder – Adds a mild heat and rich flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika – Gives a subtle smokiness to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder – A quick way to add garlicky goodness.
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder – Enhances the overall savory profile.
• 1 teaspoon Cumin – Brings warm, earthy tones typical of Mexican dishes.
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander – Adds a citrusy undertone.
• 1 pinch Sea salt – Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1 pinch Ground black pepper – A touch of sharpness.
• 1 pinch Sugar – Helps balance the spices and caramelize the veggies.
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil – Coats the chicken and veggies to help them roast beautifully.
• 3 Bell peppers – Thinly sliced; choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for vibrant colors.
• 1 Red onion – Thinly sliced for sweetness and texture.
• 4 Tortilla wraps – Soft and ready to hold all the delicious fillings.
• 1 Lime – Adds a zesty brightness when squeezed over the cooked dish.
• 10 g (0.5 cups) Fresh coriander (cilantro) – For garnish.

Instructions

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   Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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   Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6. Starting with a hot oven ensures that the chicken and veggies cook evenly and develop those flavorful caramelized edges.

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   Step 2: Prepare the Fajita Seasoning

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   In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, ground coriander, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well to create your homemade fajita seasoning. This blend is far superior to store-bought mixes and can be adjusted to suit your taste.

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   Step 3: Marinate the Chicken and Vegetables

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   In a large bowl, add the chicken chunks, bell peppers, red onion, and olive oil. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the mixture and toss everything until well coated. Using your hands ensures the spices are evenly distributed. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours, or even overnight.

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   Beginner Tip: If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes of marinating will still yield great results.

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   Step 4: Assemble in an Oven-Proof Dish

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   Transfer the marinated chicken and vegetables into a large, shallow oven-proof dish. Spread everything out evenly to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the ingredients to steam rather than roast.

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    Step 5: Bake

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    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and is no longer pink in the center.

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    Beginner Tip: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest piece of chicken to check for doneness.

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    Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

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    Once the fajitas are cooked, remove the dish from the oven and squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the top. Sprinkle with fresh coriander (cilantro) for a burst of color and flavor.

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    Step 7: Assemble and Serve

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    Divide the chicken and veggie mixture among the tortilla wraps. Serve with your choice of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and tortilla chips on the side. For an alternative serving option, spoon the mixture over cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty fajita bowl.