Chicken Fajitas: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Easy Recipes Recipe

Introduction

Chicken fajitas are a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex classic that’s easy to prepare at home. Tender strips of seasoned chicken are sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, then wrapped in warm tortillas with delicious toppings. This recipe will guide you through making the ultimate chicken fajitas from scratch.

Three soft tortillas are filled and placed side by side on a white marbled surface. Each tortilla has a bottom layer of grilled red and yellow bell pepper strips that are glossy and slightly charred. On top of the peppers, there is a layer of browned, crispy spiced meat strips. Above the meat, there is a line of chunky guacamole with a smooth texture, followed by a slice of bright green jalapeño pepper sitting on the guacamole. The whole filling is drizzled lightly with white creamy sauce and sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. The tortillas are slightly browned and soft with some darker toasted spots on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) fajita seasoning (or homemade blend, recipe follows)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Flour tortillas, warmed
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, cilantro

Homemade Fajita Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare fajita seasoning if making homemade. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Slice bell peppers and onion into strips about the same size as the chicken. Mince the garlic.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips with the fajita seasoning until evenly coated. Add the minced garlic and chicken broth, then toss again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Warm the flour tortillas using one of the following methods:
    • Microwave Method: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds.
    • Skillet Method: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 15-20 seconds per side.
    • Oven Method: Wrap tortillas in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Assemble the fajitas by placing a warm tortilla on a plate. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture down the center. Add optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over the filling, fold the sides inward, and roll it up tightly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fajita seasoning and garlic mixture.
  • Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier fajitas.
  • Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Grill the chicken and vegetables instead of sautéing for a smoky taste.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas wrapped in foil or in a sealed bag to maintain softness. Reheat the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Reheat tortillas using your preferred warming method before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows close-up of three soft flour tortillas filled with layers of colorful ingredients. Each tortilla has a base layer of grilled chicken strips that are brown and slightly crispy, topped with sautéed red and yellow bell pepper slices. On top of this, there is a layer of chunky guacamole in green, along with slices of green jalapeño pepper. White drizzle of creamy sauce is spread over the top, and the tacos are garnished with small bits of chopped fresh green herbs. The tacos rest on a wooden board with some scattered salt grains, all set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make fajitas ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead and even cook the chicken and vegetables in advance. Store them separately and reheat before assembling the fajitas to keep them fresh and flavorful.

What can I use if I don’t have fajita seasoning?

You can easily make your own seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper for heat. This homemade mix works just as well and allows you to control the flavors.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chicken Fajitas: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Easy Recipes Recipe


  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Chicken Fajitas recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken strips marinated in a zesty homemade fajita seasoning, sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions. Perfectly balanced with spices and served with warm flour tortillas, it’s an ideal meal for casual dinners or entertaining, complete with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for customization.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Flour tortillas, warmed
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Fajita Seasoning (Store-bought or Homemade)

  • 1 packet (1 ounce) fajita seasoning (optional, or use homemade blend below)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Shredded cheese
  • Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare Fajita Seasoning (If Making Homemade): In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined. Store in an airtight container if not using immediately.
  2. Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. Slice the red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the onion into strips similar in size to the chicken. Mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken strips with either the store-bought fajita seasoning or the homemade blend. Toss well to coat evenly. Add minced garlic and chicken broth, then toss again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer – cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
  6. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss to combine and heat through, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Warm Tortillas: Choose your preferred method to warm the tortillas:
    Microwave: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.
    Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 15 to 20 seconds per side.
    Oven: Wrap tortillas in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. Assemble Fajitas: Place a warmed flour tortilla on a plate. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the center. Add your favorite optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over the filling. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it up tightly. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For spicier fajitas, increase cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños to the vegetables.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
  • To keep tortillas warm longer, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel after heating.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: chicken fajitas, fajita seasoning, easy Mexican recipe, stovetop chicken fajitas, bell peppers fajitas, healthy chicken dinner

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating