If you’re looking for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that feels like an instant fiesta in your kitchen, this Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe is an absolute winner. With tender strips of seasoned chicken sizzling alongside sweet bell peppers and onions, every bite bursts with flavor and color. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve friends, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s the smoky spices that give the dish its signature warmth, the fresh veggies adding crunch and brightness, or the lime juice that ties it all together with a zesty punch.
- 3 bell peppers (seeded and thinly sliced): Choose a mix of colors for vibrant presentation and natural sweetness.
- 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced): Adds a savory depth and slight caramelized sweetness when sautéed.
- 1 ¼ lb boneless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips): Lean protein cooks quickly and soaks up all the fantastic spices.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Helps in caramelizing veggies and cooking the chicken with a smooth finish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a bold, aromatic flavor that lifts every element of the dish.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Gives a gentle kick and smoky essence that defines fajita seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth, enhancing the overall spice blend.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Contributes subtle sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky notes without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory flavor alongside fresh onions.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Brings an herbal, slightly floral lift to round out the spices.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for balancing and highlighting all flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- Juice from one lime (about 2 Tablespoons): Brightens the dish with fresh acidity and ties the spices together.
- 8 flour or corn tortillas: The perfect soft or slightly chewy wrapping for your fajita filling.
How to Make Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Spice Blend
Start by mixing all your spices together—chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, sea salt, and pepper—in a small bowl. This pre-mixed seasoning ensures every bite of chicken and vegetable is fully coated with vibrant, balanced flavor. Having this blend ready saves time when cooking and makes seasoning a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Onions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Toss in the thin slices of bell peppers and onions and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften them until they’re just tender but still with a slight crunch—this preserves their fresh sweetness and adds wonderful texture that contrasts perfectly with the juicy chicken.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Half the Spice Mix
Next, introduce the minced garlic and half of your carefully blended spice mix to the veggies. Stir them around for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the spices to meld beautifully with the softened peppers and onions, infusing the base of your fajitas with a lovely warmth.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Remove the veggie mixture from the skillet temporarily and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the thin chicken strips into the pan, sprinkle on the rest of the spice blend, and squeeze in the lime juice for that crucial tang. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s thoroughly cooked through and coated in the delicious seasoning.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the chicken. Give everything a good mix, allowing the flavors to marry as you cook for an additional minute or two. This ensures your filling is piping hot and every piece carries that irresistible flavor combo, ready to be wrapped up in warm tortillas.
Step 6: Warm Your Tortillas and Serve
While your fajita filling finishes, warm your tortillas to make them pliable and soft—either in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven. Then, spoon the chicken and veggie mixture into each tortilla and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is tasty.
How to Serve Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are where you can get a little creative or keep it classic. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and herbal brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese brings creaminess that complements the spices perfectly. Don’t forget slices of ripe avocado or a spoonful of chunky salsa—each topping turns your Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe into a custom celebration of flavors.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, think about serving with Mexican rice or a light black bean salad. A crisp, tangy slaw can balance the warm spices, while chips and guacamole provide a fun, shareable starter. Simple sides ensure the fajitas shine but offer texture and freshness to accompany the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the fajita filling in a large skillet at the table with a stack of warm tortillas and all the fixings on the side—this makes a festive build-your-own meal. Alternatively, wrap the filling in tortillas and secure with parchment paper for a portable lunch option. You can even stuff the mixture into pita pockets or top a salad for a low-carb twist that keeps the spirit of the Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fajita filling stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and veggies together allows the flavors to deepen, and reheating is quick and simple when you’re ready for a second round.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for busy nights, freeze the cooked filling in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve the tender texture and vibrant flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the filling over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or a little olive oil to keep the chicken moist. Warm your tortillas separately to avoid them becoming soggy, and then assemble fresh for a quick, satisfying meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to fully cook through.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
Any heavy-bottomed skillet will do the trick—non-stick or stainless steel pans work well to sauté your veggies and cook the chicken evenly without sticking.
How spicy is this Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe?
It has a mild warmth from the chili powder, but you can easily adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just opt for corn tortillas instead of flour ones, and double-check that your spices don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Is it okay to prep ingredients ahead of time?
Definitely. Slice your vegetables and chicken the night before to save time. Keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe is a lovely reminder that fantastic meals don’t have to be complicated. It brings bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures to your plate in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, these fajitas will quickly become a favorite you turn to again and again. So grab those fresh peppers, fire up your skillet, and dive into something delicious!
Print
Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Chicken Fajitas recipe is a vibrant and delicious Tex-Mex dish featuring tender strips of spiced chicken sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and fresh garlic, then finished with lime juice and served warm in soft tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 bell peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 1 ¼ lb boneless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- Juice from one lime (about 2 tablespoons)
Oils & Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, sea salt, and ground pepper. Set this spice mixture aside for later use.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add Garlic and Spices to Veggies: Mix in the minced garlic and half of the prepared spice blend with the sautéed vegetables. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook Chicken: Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then add the sliced chicken strips. Sprinkle the remaining half of the spice mix over the chicken and pour in the lime juice. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Combine Veggies and Chicken: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until heated through and well combined.
- Serve: Warm the tortillas according to package instructions or over an open flame. Serve the chicken fajita mixture immediately in the warm tortillas with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan for best heat retention and even cooking.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of chili powder or adding fresh jalapenos for heat.
- Leftover fajita filling can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
