Easy Chicken Fajitas – Quick Dinner Recipe
Introduction
Easy Chicken Fajitas are a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and tastes even better than takeout. With tender chicken and colorful peppers seasoned to perfection, this dish is both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortillas of choice
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice chicken, bell peppers, and onion into thin, even strips to ensure they cook evenly.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced peppers and onion until they are softened but still crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. Stir to combine and heat through for another minute.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken and pepper mixture hot inside warm tortillas along with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder to the seasoning blend.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time—just skip the cooking step and sauté peppers and onions, then add shredded chicken at the end to warm through.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and a side of black beans for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken fajita mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Keep tortillas separate and warm them just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just slice them thinly and adjust cooking time if needed until fully cooked.
What toppings go best with chicken fajitas?
Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Feel free to customize based on your preferences.
PrintEasy Chicken Fajitas – Quick Dinner Recipe
These Easy Chicken Fajitas are a perfect quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that come together in just 35 minutes. Tender chicken breast strips are seasoned with classic Tex-Mex spices and sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, delivering a delicious homemade alternative to takeout fajitas.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, sliced thin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for seasoning)
Vegetables and Cooking
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Juice of 1 lime
To Serve
- Tortillas of choice
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts, red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and onion into thin, even strips to ensure quick and uniform cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken in the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken strips and sear them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté them until they become softened but still retain some crispness, about 5-6 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and toss everything to combine and heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture hot inside warm tortillas and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for more juiciness.
- For spicier fajitas, add some cayenne pepper or use a hot chili powder.
- Leftover fajita mix can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before serving for best texture.
- Add toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor.
Keywords: Chicken fajitas, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, Mexican, quick dinner, fajita seasoning, bell peppers
