These Easy Chicken Fajitas are a quick and flavorful Tex-Mex favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Juicy strips of seasoned chicken are sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, then served sizzling hot with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings. They’re simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes or less
- Uses basic, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Bold and zesty flavor from homemade fajita seasoning
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Customizable with different proteins and toppings
- Naturally gluten-free if served with corn tortillas
- Minimal cleanup with just one skillet
- Perfect for Taco Tuesday or weekend dinners
- Works with cast iron, grill, or stovetop pan
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Red bell pepper
- Yellow or green bell pepper
- Red onion
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro
directions
- Slice chicken into thin strips and place in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the spice mix, olive oil, and lime juice to the chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 56 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add sliced bell peppers and onions.
- Sauté for 45 minutes until slightly charred and tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook 12 more minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Fajitas: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Grilled Fajitas: Grill the chicken and veggies for extra charred flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice.
- Sheet Pan Style: Bake everything on a sheet pan at 400°F for 2025 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack before serving.
- Pineapple Twist: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory combo.
- Vegan Version: Swap chicken for portobello mushrooms or tofu.
- Fajita Bowl: Serve over rice or quinoa with beans and avocado.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken fajitas for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just slice and heat it with the sautéed vegetables and spices for a quick shortcut.
What’s the best pan for making fajitas?
A cast iron skillet gives the best sear and authentic sizzle, but any large skillet will work.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and veggies up to 2 days in advance and cook them when ready to eat.
What toppings go well with chicken fajitas?
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, fresh lime, and cilantro are all great options.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use thighs if you prefer extra-juicy meat.
Are fajitas gluten-free?
Yes, if you use corn tortillas and check that all your spices are gluten-free.
Can I add beans to the fajitas?
Sure! Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition either inside the tortilla or on the side.
What can I serve with chicken fajitas?
Rice, refried beans, corn salad, or chips and salsa are classic sides.
Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes, bake everything together on a sheet pan for an easy hands-off version.
How do I keep tortillas warm?
Wrap them in foil or a damp paper towel and heat in the oven or microwave just before serving.
Conclusion
These Easy Chicken Fajitas bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. With juicy, seasoned chicken and colorful sautéed peppers all wrapped in a warm tortilla, it’s a meal that’s always a winner. Whether for a quick dinner or a festive gathering, this versatile recipe is one you’ll want on repeat all year round.
Description
These easy chicken fajitas are packed with juicy, seasoned chicken strips, colorful peppers, and onions—all cooked in one pan for quick cleanup. Serve them with warm tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a fun and flavorful meal the whole family will love.
For the Chicken & Veggies:
Fajita Seasoning:
To Serve:
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Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken strips with olive oil, lime juice, and all fajita seasoning spices until well coated.
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Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 56 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and cook the sliced peppers and onions for 45 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
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Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until heated through.
Notes
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You can prep everything ahead and cook just before serving.
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Try with steak, shrimp, or tofu for a fun variation.
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Great for meal prep—store cooked fajita mix in the fridge for up to 4 days.
