If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal to spice up your weeknight dinners, look no further than these easy and flavorful Chicken Fajitas! Whether you’re cooking for a family or just want to enjoy some vibrant flavors at home, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold seasonings and colorful veggies wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
Chicken Fajitas are not only quick to make but also highly customizable. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste, whether you like it spicy or prefer a milder flavor. In this post, I’ll show you how to prepare these fajitas with helpful tips along the way, including some recipe variations and how to make the most out of leftovers.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Chicken Fajitas recipe is perfect for:
- Busy families: If you’re pressed for time but still want to cook a homemade meal, this recipe only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Meal preppers: Fajitas store well and make great leftovers. You can cook a large batch and have ready-to-go meals for the week.
- Health-conscious individuals: With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and the option to use whole wheat tortillas, this recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor without the guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors: The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin gives the chicken a delicious smoky taste, while the bell peppers add a fresh crunch.
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep time and a fast cooking process, these fajitas are perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients, adjust the heat level, or even go vegetarian by using tofu or additional veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Seasonings
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon coriander
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (can sub olive oil)
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (can sub soy sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Fajitas
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil (can sub olive oil)
- 3 bell peppers (I use all colors), sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 8-10 6-inch tortillas
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Cast iron skillet (for the best sear)
- Meat mallet
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil (for warming tortillas)
- Sharp knife for slicing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner slices. Cover the pieces with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to tenderize the chicken on both sides. This will ensure the chicken stays juicy and cooks evenly. After tenderizing, cut the chicken into ½-inch strips. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Marinade
In a large freezer bag, combine avocado oil, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, hot sauce, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the bag, seal out the air, and marinate for 20-25 minutes at room temperature. While the chicken marinates, prep your vegetables by slicing the bell peppers and onion.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is nice and hot, add the marinated chicken strips and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning to cook on all sides. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions over medium-high heat. Season the veggies with the remaining seasoning mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are softened but still slightly crisp.
5. Assemble the Chicken Fajitas
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Toss everything together to heat through. Serve the fajitas by placing the chicken and veggies in warmed tortillas, and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Tenderizing chicken: Use a meat mallet to ensure even cooking and juicy texture.
- Best tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional, but corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option.
- Timing is key: Be sure not to overcook the chicken. It should only need 3-4 minutes per side.
Recipe Variations
- Meat swaps: You can substitute steak or shrimp for the chicken. If using shrimp, cook it for just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Vegetarian option: Swap out the chicken for extra firm tofu or portobello mushrooms for a hearty veggie fajita.
- Low-carb version: Skip the tortillas and serve the fajitas over a bed of cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the chicken, veggies, and tortillas in separate airtight containers. Fajitas will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, simply toss the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but skillet reheating ensures the best texture.
Food and Drink Pairings
Fajitas are great on their own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider pairing them with:
- Side dishes: Spanish rice, guacamole, or refried beans.
- Drinks: A cold margarita, light beer, or even sparkling water with lime complements the bold flavors of the fajitas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 20-25 minutes. You can also marinate it for up to 2 hours, but avoid over-marinating, as the lime juice can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
2. Can I make this recipe without a cast iron skillet?
Yes, you can use any large skillet, but cast iron is ideal for getting a good sear on the chicken and veggies.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra hot sauce to the marinade or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
4. Can I freeze the fajitas?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies for up to 2 months. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet.
5. What’s the best way to reheat fajitas?
The best way to reheat fajitas is in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps maintain the texture of the chicken and veggies.