Savor the flavors of Mexico with this easy and healthy chicken fajitas recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are pan-seared and mixed with colorful, crisp vegetables, then topped off with a splash of fresh lime juice for a zesty finish. While these fajitas are great in tortillas with your favorite toppings, I’ve also included a few creative serving suggestions to keep things exciting!
Table of Contents
Why These Chicken Fajitas Are So Popular ?
Chicken fajitas are my top pick at Mexican restaurants (next to guacamole, of course). There’s just something about that sizzling skillet arriving at the table that gets me excited every time! The best part is, you can easily recreate this delicious meal at home. It’s also a fun and easy dish to whip up for Taco Tuesday or when hosting friends. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- The homemade fajita seasoning is unbeatable. A simple mix of bold spices takes the flavor to the next level. I often make extra seasoning to have it ready for future meals.
- It’s quick and easy. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy chicken, tender veggies, and a satisfying meal—perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s perfect for meal prep. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days, or you can toss the chicken and veggies over salad greens for a light, refreshing lunch.
- You can swap the protein. While chicken is my favorite, I love mixing it up with shrimp or steak fajitas, because honestly, I enjoy all varieties of fajitas!
Chicken Fajita ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: I’m using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option.
- Vegetables: Sliced onions and colorful bell peppers are key for a vibrant, flavorful fajita. I like to mix red, yellow, and green bell peppers for variety, but feel free to use your favorite colors.
- Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a perfect burst of acidity that brightens up the whole dish.
- Fajita Seasoning: Ditch the store-bought packets! Homemade seasoning, made with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, is fresher and free of fillers and additives.
- Taco Additions: Some of my go-to toppings include cassava flour tortillas, sour cream, pico de gallo, and sliced avocados. I’ll share even more serving ideas below!
Do I Need a Cast Iron Skillet?
A cast iron skillet is perfect for cooking chicken fajitas because it sears the meat beautifully, giving it a nice char while bringing out the flavors of the seasoning. Just be sure your cast iron is properly seasoned to prevent sticking. If you don’t have one, a stainless steel pan works just as well.
Can I Grill the Chicken?
While fajitas are traditionally cooked in a skillet, grilling the chicken is a fantastic option! It adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Mexican spices.
Can I Slice and Season the Chicken Before Cooking?
Absolutely! Pre-slicing and seasoning the chicken is a great way to make sure every piece is fully coated with flavor before hitting the skillet. However, it’s not a requirement—cooking whole and slicing afterward works too.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover fajitas can be kept in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To use frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them quickly in the microwave.
How To Make Chicken Fajitas
1.Prepare ingredients:
prepare all ingredients before starting and put all them in the table
1.Season the Chicken:
Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with fajita seasoning, pressing it in with your fingers to ensure it sticks.
2.Sear the Chicken:
Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and sear the chicken on each side for about 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3.Saute the Vegetables:
While the chicken cooks, slice the bell peppers and onions. Sauté them in the same skillet for a few minutes until they soften and become slightly caramelized, turning them into flavorful fajita veggies.
4.Combine and Serve:
Slice the chicken into thin strips and return them to the skillet. If the strips are too thick, cut them in half. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, mix everything together, and serve!
Ways to Serve Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken Fajita Tacos or Wraps: This is a classic and my personal favorite! Grab some fresh tortillas and load them up with toppings like sliced avocados or guacamole, red salsa or pico de gallo, sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, swap out the tortillas for butter lettuce leaves. Pile on your favorite taco toppings for a fresh, low-carb twist.
- Fajita Rice Bowl: Serve the fajitas over cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice for a delicious rice bowl. Add black beans, sweet corn, cotija cheese, and finish with a drizzle of lime crema or chipotle sauce for extra flavor.
If you give this chicken fajitas recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to share your experience in the comments below—your feedback will be helpful to others in the community!