Sheet Pan Mexican-Spiced Chicken with Bell Peppers
Juicy chicken breasts roasted on a sheet pan with vibrant bell peppers and a smoky Mexican spice blend, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips yellow bell pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1, cut into wedges for serving lime
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the center of a large rimmed baking sheet. Spread 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper around the chicken in a single layer.
- Step 3: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Mexican-Spiced Chicken with Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Mexican-Spiced Chicken with Bell Peppers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Mexican-Spiced Chicken with Bell Peppers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sheet Pan Mexican-Spiced Chicken with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sheet Pan Mexican-Spiced Chicken with Bell Peppers gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.