Name: Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 1 lime; 8 small flour tortillas; Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, cilantro

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Fajitas are a classic Tex-Mex dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful mix of colorful bell peppers, onions, and a zesty seasoning. This easy, one-pan recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. The juicy chicken and vegetables are seared to perfection and served with warm tortillas, ready to be topped with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cheese. This dish is both healthy and satisfying, offering a balance of bold flavors and textures in every bite!

Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the fajitas:

1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (red, green, or yellow)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free version)

Optional toppings:

Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Shredded cheese
Fresh lime wedges

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. You can cook them to your desired level of softness or leave them with a bit of crunch.

4. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors combine.

5. Warm the Tortillas:

While the chicken and vegetables are finishing, warm the tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds.

6. Serve:

To serve, spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each warm tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro, and any of your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Fajitas: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Chicken Fajitas: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Shrimp Fajitas: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter version of this dish. Shrimp only needs 2-3 minutes to cook!
Use Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas.
Add Cheese to the Filling: Melt a bit of cheese into the fajita mixture while cooking for an extra cheesy filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken fajita filling (chicken, vegetables, and toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The tortillas should be stored separately.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to rehydrate. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet for a few seconds.

FAQs

Can I make the chicken fajitas ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving with warm tortillas.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well for this recipe too. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they cook quickly and stay juicy.

What can I serve with chicken fajitas?

Chicken fajitas are delicious with a side of rice, black beans, or a simple salad. You can also serve them with chips and salsa for an added appetizer.

How can I make the fajitas spicier?

To make the fajitas spicier, increase the amount of chili powder, add jalapeños to the vegetables, or use a spicy salsa as a topping. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the top.

Can I make chicken fajitas without tortillas?

Yes, you can serve the chicken fajitas over a bed of rice or lettuce (for a low-carb option). You can also serve them in a bowl with toppings for a fajita bowl.

Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Yes, grilling the marinated chicken strips over medium-high heat will add a smoky flavor and a charred texture to the fajitas. Just be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Conclusion

Chicken Fajitas are a flavorful, customizable dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With tender, seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and your choice of toppings, these fajitas are sure to be a hit. Whether you prefer them with flour or corn tortillas, or you like to load them with cheese, sour cream, and salsa, this dish is perfect for sharing with family or friends. Quick, delicious, and packed with flavor—Chicken Fajitas are the ultimate weeknight dinner!

Jane

Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients