If you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t keep you tethered to the stove, you are going to love this Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe. I absolutely love how the charred poblanos and sweet corn complement the smoky, tender chicken all cooked together on one pan. The flavors are vibrant but balanced—mild ancho chile powder, cumin, and paprika add warmth without overpowering, making it a perfect dish for anyone new to fajitas or those who want something easy yet tasty.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple and quick it is. You can prep everything in just a few minutes, then broil it all to perfection with minimal cleanup. This Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe shines whether you’re aiming for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends when time is limited. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in fresh veggies like poblano peppers and corn without any extra fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Cooking everything on a single sheet pan makes dinner prep and cleanup a breeze.
- Bold Yet Mild Flavors: The ancho chile powder and cumin provide a smoky warmth without being too spicy, perfect for all palates.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can swap out veggies or toppings easily to make it your own.
- Quick Broil Method: The broiler cooks everything fast with a nice char, locking in juicy flavors and a lovely texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to give you juicy chicken fajitas with that wonderful, slightly smoky roasting flavor. When shopping, try to find fresh, firm poblanos and a ripe avocado to make every bite shine.
- Neutral oil (such as canola or avocado): Great for high-heat cooking and won’t overpower your spices.
- Ancho chile powder: Adds a mild, smoky depth without heat—my secret weapon for fajitas everyone loves.
- Ground cumin: Brings earthiness that pairs perfectly with chili powder and paprika.
- Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- Garlic powder: Because garlic flavor without fuss always wins in my book.
- Salt: Balances and enhances every ingredient.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into strips for even cooking and quick broiling.
- Poblano peppers: Mild heat with a smoky flavor that roasts beautifully under the broiler.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture as it chars alongside the chicken and peppers.
- Ear of corn: Fresh corn gives a sweet pop that you’ll want to scoop up alongside your fajitas.
- Fajita-size corn or flour tortillas: Warmed just before serving to make wrapping the goodies easier.
- Ripe avocado: Creamy slices brighten up the dish and add a buttery richness.
- Sour cream: A cooling dollop is just the finishing touch.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds herbal brightness and a bit of color.
- Lime wedges: Offering a zesty squeeze you won’t want to skip.
Variations
I love switching up this Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s really forgiving, so feel free to get creative with your veggies or how spicy you want to make it.
- Add heat: When I’m craving a kick, I toss in some sliced jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper in the spice mix—my family goes crazy for the extra zing.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for extra bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a plant-based version that’s just as flavorful.
- Seasonal veggies: Roasted sweet potatoes or cherry tomatoes work beautifully in fall and summer, adding color and texture variety.
- Different proteins: You can replace chicken with shrimp or thinly sliced steak if you want to switch things up quickly.
How to Make Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Broiler
Start by preheating your oven’s broiler and positioning the rack about 7 to 8 inches from the heat source. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil—it makes cleanup super easy. While that heats up, slice your chicken breasts into strips and cut your poblanos and onion into roughly ½-inch slices. This size ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly under the broiler.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend and Coat Chicken
In a big bowl, whisk together the neutral oil, ancho chile powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. This simple spice mix packs a punch of flavor without being too spicy. Toss your chicken strips in the mixture until each piece is well coated. Trust me, this step is key to juicy, flavorful chicken!
Step 3: Arrange and Broil the Chicken and Veggies
Place the chicken in an even layer on one half of the prepared baking sheet. Then toss the sliced poblanos and onion in any remaining spice mixture and spread them out on the other half of the sheet. Lay your whole ear of corn on the sheet as well. Pop it under the broiler and roast for about 7 to 8 minutes until the chicken gets that beautiful light char and is cooked through.
Step 4: Rest Chicken and Char the Veggies
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Spread out the poblanos and onions a bit to help them cook evenly, then use tongs to turn the corn cob so it chars all around. Return the pan to the broiler for about 5 more minutes, until the veggies are tender and nicely charred.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Cut the kernels off the hoe. Toss the corn kernels with the roasted poblanos and onions for a sweet, smoky mix. Warm your tortillas and pile on the chicken and veggie mix. Top with creamy avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice for that bright, tangy finish!
Pro Tips for Making Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Cut Chicken Evenly: I make sure to slice the chicken into even strips so everything cooks at the same speed and stays juicy.
- Don’t Skip Tenting: Letting the chicken rest with foil keeps it warm and lets juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Watch Your Broiler: Broilers can vary widely—keep a close eye to prevent burning and adjust timing as needed.
- Use Fresh Produce: Fresh poblanos and corn really make a difference in flavor and texture, so buy seasonal when you can.
How to Serve Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Whenever I serve these fajitas, I’m all about generous garnishes. Slices of creamy avocado and a dollop of sour cream add creaminess that balances the smoky spices perfectly. Fresh cilantro is non-negotiable for that lift of herbal brightness. And a wedge or two of lime to squeeze over the top always gets rave reviews at my table.
Side Dishes
I usually keep sides easy and fresh—Mexican rice or a simple black bean salad complements the fajitas wonderfully without stealing the spotlight. A crunchy cabbage slaw with lime and cilantro can add a refreshing crunch too. For a quick weeknight, sliced jicama or cucumber sticks work well for a crunchy, cooling bite on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual get-togethers, I like to turn this into a fajita bar: lay out the chicken and veggies on a big platter with bowls of toppings and warm tortillas on the side. It’s fun, interactive, and everyone loves customizing their own. For a festive touch, you can serve it in warm cast-iron skillets or pile everything into crispy tostada shells for a fun crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the corn kernels separate helps maintain their texture if I want to reheat everything at once. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal or lunch the next day without losing any flavor or moisture.
Freezing
While I rarely freeze this dish because it’s so quick to make fresh, I’ve had success freezing just the cooked chicken and veggies separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep them juicy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or under the broiler for just a few minutes to revive the charred texture and avoid drying out the chicken. If you microwave, do it in short bursts to keep the meat tender. Adding a squeeze of lime or fresh cilantro after reheating really perks up the flavors again.
FAQs
-
Can I use other peppers instead of poblano for this recipe?
Absolutely! While poblanos give a mild heat and smoky flavor, you can substitute with bell peppers or even poblano’s spicier cousins like Anaheim peppers, depending on your spice preference. Just keep in mind, hotter peppers will add more heat.
-
Is it necessary to broil the fajitas, or can I roast them?
You can certainly roast at a high temperature (around 425°F) if you don’t have a broiler or prefer gentler cooking. Roasting will take a bit longer and won’t produce quite the same char, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
-
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the veggies and cut the chicken earlier in the day and toss with the spice mix right before cooking. This helps speed up dinner and keeps flavors bright.
-
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the spice mix. You could also serve with spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for guests to add as they like.
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using corn tortillas keeps this Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers on flavor, speed, and easy cleanup—a triple win. I love how fresh and vibrant the veggies taste alongside juicy, tender chicken, and how customizable it is for different moods and tastes. If you want a quick dinner that feels like a special night in, I really encourage you to give this a try. Trust me, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to meals too!
PrintSheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These sheet-pan poblano-and-corn chicken fajitas are a quick and flavorful dinner option seasoned with mild ancho chile powder, paprika, and cumin. The chicken and vegetables cook together on a sheet pan under the broiler, making cleanup easy and allowing you to avoid working over a hot stove or grill. Served with warm corn tortillas, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges, this dish offers a vibrant and satisfying meal for four.
Ingredients
Spice Mix and Oil
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or avocado)
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 large poblano peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- 1 ear corn, shucked
To Serve
- 8 (6-inch) fajita-size corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 medium ripe avocado, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to broil with the rack positioned 7 to 8 inches from the heat source. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easy.
- Make the Spice Mix: In a large bowl, stir together the neutral oil, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Set this spice mixture aside for coating the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare and Season Chicken and Vegetables: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create cutlets, then slice crosswise into strips. Place the chicken strips into the bowl with the spice mix and toss well to coat evenly. Arrange the chicken in an even layer on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Add the sliced poblano peppers and onion to the same bowl and toss them with any remaining spice mixture. Spread the vegetables in an even layer on the other side of the baking sheet. Place the whole ear of corn on the baking sheet as well.
- Broil the Chicken: Broil the chicken until it is lightly charred and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Broil the Vegetables and Corn: Spread the poblanos and onions out on the baking sheet and turn the ear of corn to ensure even charring. Broil until the vegetables are tender and charred, approximately 5 more minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Cut the kernels off the corn cob and toss them with the broiled poblanos and onions. To assemble the fajitas, top warmed tortillas with the chicken strips, vegetables, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the fajitas for extra zest.
Notes
- Using the broiler gives a nice char and smoky flavor similar to grilling without the need for an outdoor grill.
- Neutral oil such as canola or avocado oil works best due to their high smoke points under broiling heat.
- To keep the chicken juicy, be careful not to overcook under the broiler; check at 7 minutes.
- Warming tortillas just before serving helps them stay pliable and enhances the overall eating experience.
- You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by confirming your tortillas are corn-based and free from gluten ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fajita
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg