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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Nachos

sheet pan chicken fajita nachos - featured image

These sheet pan chicken fajita nachos are the ultimate party appetizer—loaded with juicy fajita-style chicken, roasted peppers and onions, and heaps of melty cheese, all baked on a single tray for easy entertaining. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing snack with bold flavor and minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
  • 1 large red onion, sliced into thin wedges
  • 1 jalapeño or poblano pepper, seeded and thinly sliced (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1012 ounces tortilla chips (thick-cut restaurant-style preferred)
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for topping)
  • Sliced green onions (for topping)
  • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo (for topping)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
  • Guacamole or diced avocado (for topping)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken strips, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
  3. Slice bell peppers and red onion into thin strips. If using, slice jalapeño or poblano pepper. Add veggies to the marinated chicken and toss again.
  4. Spread chicken and veggies evenly over half of the sheet pan (leave room for chips if possible). Roast for 12–15 minutes, stirring once halfway, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and veggies are soft and slightly charred.
  5. Remove pan from oven. Arrange tortilla chips in a single, slightly overlapping layer over the empty half of the pan or on a second sheet pan. Scatter half the cheese over the chips.
  6. Top chips with roasted chicken and veggies, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  7. Return pan to oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, green onions, and your favorite toppings. Serve immediately with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges.

Notes

Marinate chicken ahead for deeper flavor. Use thick, sturdy chips to prevent sogginess. Layer cheese under and over toppings for best melt. Customize with your favorite toppings or swap chicken for beans or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Serve immediately for maximum crunch. Leftovers can be reheated on a sheet pan at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

Nutrition

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