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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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
