Since I posted them twelve years ago, these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas have been a Budget Bytes favorite! I love fajitas, but they need a very hot griddle to get that nice smoky flavor. That means a lot of smoke in my house and standing over a very hot stove. Not my favorite way to spend my evening. So I make baked fajitas instead. Is it exactly the same? No, BUT it’s almost completely hands-off (yay) and you get some nice caramelization on the edges of the peppers and onions, which gives you a similar char effect. I’ll save the real deal fajitas for when I’m at a restaurant and not doing the cooking. .
Yes, you too love cooking! If you’re like me, you probably love making a big batch of chicken fajitas for dinner. That chicken with bell peppers, onions, and spices that is soft and spicy and wrapped in warm tortillas chef’s kiss But what do you do when you make too much? Don’t worry, I have great ideas for what to do with that extra chicken fajita meat!
For years, I’ve been playing around with chicken fajita leftovers in my kitchen, and I’ve found so many tasty ways to make them into whole new meals. Trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll be looking forward to having leftover fajita meat!
Why Chicken Fajita Meat is the Ultimate Leftover
Before diving into the recipes let’s talk about why chicken fajita meat makes such fantastic leftovers
- It’s already seasoned with delicious spices (typically chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic)
- The meat is pre-cooked and sliced, saving you prep time
- The flavor profile works with a surprising variety of cuisines
- It adds instant protein and flavor to almost any dish
Breakfast & Brunch Ideas
1. Chicken Fajita Breakfast Burritos
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast that’ll keep you full until lunch!
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken fajita meat
- Scrambled eggs
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Warm tortillas
Simply scramble some eggs, warm up your fajita meat, and roll everything together in a tortilla with cheese and salsa. These can even be made ahead and frozen for busy mornings!
2. Fajita Omelets
Transform your standard omelet into something special by folding in some chicken fajita meat, cheese, and maybe even some of those leftover peppers and onions. Top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for a restaurant-worthy breakfast at home.
Lunch & Dinner Transformations
3. Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake
This is one of my family’s absolute favorites when we have leftover fajita meat!
What you’ll need:
- 2 cups leftover chicken fajita meat (with peppers and onions)
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked
- 1 cup creamy cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
Directions:
- Mix the cooked pasta with your fajita meat and cheese sauce
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden (about 25 minutes)
The end result was a warm, creamy pasta dish with a Mexican twist that was nothing like your original fajitas!
4. Chicken Fajita Soup
When the weather turns chilly, this soup is perfect for warming up.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken fajita meat
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- Lime juice
- Toppings: avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips
Simmer everything together for about 20 minutes, and you’ll have a hearty soup that tastes like it cooked all day. The lime juice at the end brightens everything up!
5. Fajita Quesadillas
This is probably the quickest way to transform your leftovers. Simply place your chicken fajita meat between two tortillas with some cheese, and cook in a skillet until crispy and melty. Slice into triangles and serve with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
6. Loaded Fajita Nachos
Who doesn’t love nachos? Layer tortilla chips on a sheet pan, top with fajita meat, cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner!
Salads & Healthier Options
7. Fajita Chicken Salad Bowl
For a lighter option that’s still satisfying:
What you’ll need:
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- Leftover chicken fajita meat (warmed)
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado
- Cilantro-lime dressing
This salad is hearty enough to be a meal but won’t weigh you down. The warm fajita meat slightly wilts the greens, making it even more delicious.
8. Grilled Chicken Fajita Caesar Salad
Give the classic Caesar a southwestern twist! Grill some romaine hearts until slightly charred, then top with warm fajita meat, crumbled cotija cheese, and a smoky Caesar dressing.
Creative Fusion Ideas
9. Chicken Fajita Pizza
Yes, you read that right! Use your fajita meat as a pizza topping for an incredible fusion dish. Spread a thin layer of salsa or pizza sauce on your dough, add the meat, peppers, onions, and cheese, then bake until crispy. A drizzle of creamy cilantro sauce takes it over the top!
10. Fajita Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Load up baked potatoes with warmed fajita meat, cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.
11. Chicken Fajita Fried Rice
This Asian-Mexican fusion dish is surprisingly delicious. Stir-fry some day-old rice with your fajita meat, add a splash of soy sauce, and finish with fresh lime juice and cilantro.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly Options
12. Freezer Burritos
Batch-prepare burritos filled with fajita meat, rice, beans, and cheese. Wrap individually in foil, then freeze. When hunger strikes, just unwrap, wrap in a damp paper towel, and microwave for a few minutes.
13. Fajita Mac and Cheese
For a more gourmet take on comfort food, add your leftover meat to your favorite mac and cheese recipe. While the cheese sauce is rich, the spices in the fajita meat make it taste great.
Tips for Reheating Chicken Fajita Meat
No matter which recipe you choose, proper reheating is key to maintaining the texture and flavor of your fajita meat:
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Stovetop Method (Best): Add a splash of broth or water to a skillet, add the chicken fajita meat, and cover. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
-
Microwave Method (Quickest): Place the meat in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
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Oven Method (For larger portions): Wrap the meat in foil with a drizzle of oil or broth and heat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
FAQ About Chicken Fajita Meat
Can I freeze leftover chicken fajita meat?
Absolutely! Freezing is an excellent way to preserve leftover chicken fajita meat. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What sides go well with chicken fajita dishes?
Traditional sides like rice, refried beans, guacamole, and salsa are always good choices. You might also try corn on the cob, Mexican street corn salad, or a simple black bean salad.
How can I make my own fajita seasoning?
Making your own is super easy! Mix together:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
What cheese goes best with chicken fajita meat?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso Oaxaca, and cotija cheese all pair wonderfully with chicken fajita meat. The choice depends on your personal preference and the specific dish you’re making.
Make Your Own Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
If you don’t have leftover fajita meat yet but want to try some of these ideas, here’s a super easy sheet pan chicken fajitas recipe that’s perfect for meal prep:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 3 bell peppers (any colors), sliced
- 2 small yellow onions, sliced
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 Tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (helps with caramelization)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lime
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Mix all spices in a small bowl
- Place chicken strips, peppers, and onions on a large baking sheet
- Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasoning mix
- Toss until everything is well coated
- Spread out evenly on the baking sheet (don’t overcrowd!)
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything before serving
This recipe makes enough for dinner plus plenty of leftovers to try the ideas above!
Final Thoughts
I hope these ideas have inspired you to look at leftover chicken fajita meat in a whole new light! With a little creativity, yesterday’s dinner can become today’s exciting new meal. The next time you make fajitas, consider making extra on purpose – your future self will thank you!
What’s your favorite way to use leftover chicken fajita meat? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Happy cooking!
What Kind of Sheet Pan to Use
You definitely want the largest sheet pan (or baking dish) you can find for this recipe. The chicken and vegetables must not be crowded on the baking sheet. If they are, the steam will get trapped as they bake, and you won’t get the nice caramelization that can only happen in a dry heat environment. I’m using a 13×16 inch baking sheet here and in the original version of this recipe I used a 13×15 inch glass baking dish.
Make it Fit in your Budget
Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are usually significantly more expensive than green bell peppers, but you can use any mix that fits your budget. Despite using a couple of more expensive colored peppers, I used more vegetables than meat to keep costs low. The meat to veggie ratio ended up being perfect once everything had been cooked down. If you want to make these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas vegetarian, try my Chipotle Portobello Oven Fajita recipe.