Chicken Fajitas Recipe

This delicious chicken fajitas recipe is perfect for busy nights when you crave a savory and satisfying meal. Featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, and onions, this fajita dish is seasoned with smoky chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic for bold, irresistible flavor. Whether you serve it in warm flour tortillas or as a fajita bowl, this recipe is quick, customizable, and full of fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fajitas:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 8 small flour tortillas, toasted or warmed

Options to Serve:

• Lime wedges for squeezing over fajitas
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo or salsa
• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and all the seasonings: chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Add the chicken to the seasoning mixture and turn to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate while you prep the vegetables (up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
3. Slice the bell peppers and onions into 1/4-inch thick slices, cutting along the grain.
4. Heat a large heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, then add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. While the vegetables are cooking, slice the chicken against the grain into strips.
7. Once the vegetables are done, return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
8. Serve the fajita mixture over warmed tortillas, with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and garnish with cilantro. Top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cheese if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken fajita recipe is an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s bursting with vibrant colors and textures. The juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and seasoned flavors combine to create the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory goodness. Served in soft, warm tortillas and topped with your favorite extras, these fajitas are sure to become a family favorite. They’re quick to make, customizable with toppings, and full of fresh ingredients.

Tips

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken sits in the seasoning mixture, the deeper the flavor.
• High Heat for Searing: When cooking the chicken, use high heat to get a nice sear on the meat. This helps lock in the juices for a tender, flavorful result.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking in batches, don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows the chicken to sear properly, rather than steam.
• Fresh Tortillas: If possible, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or oven before serving. Fresh, warm tortillas enhance the fajita experience.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Alternatives: You can easily swap the chicken for beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
• Vegetarian Fajitas: Skip the chicken entirely and load up on extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for a hearty vegetarian fajita.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free. There are many delicious gluten-free tortilla options available.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just heat it through with the vegetables, and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The chicken and veggies can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the mixture in a skillet before serving.

How do I keep fajitas warm for a party? You can keep the fajita mixture warm in a slow cooker or on a warming tray. Just make sure the tortillas are warmed right before serving.

Serving

Serve these delicious chicken fajitas with all your favorite toppings, such as fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese. They’re perfect for a casual family dinner, Taco Tuesday, or as a fun party dish. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a crisp salad.

Suggestions

• Taco Salad Twist: For a taco salad variation, serve the fajita mixture over a bed of fresh lettuce with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and salsa.
• Make a Fajita Bowl: Instead of using tortillas, make a fajita bowl with rice, beans, and your fajita mixture for a healthy and satisfying alternative.