These best-ever chicken fajitas are a quick and tasty choice for dinner! With juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and zesty spices, they’re sure to please everyone. Wrap them up in warm tortillas for a fun meal!
I love how simple this recipe is; just sauté everything in one pan! Plus, you can customize with your favorite toppings. Taco night at home just got a whole lot better! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. They’re lean and cook quickly! If you’re looking for a richer flavor, you can use thighs instead—they’ll stay juicy and tender.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for color and sweetness. However, if you’re in a pinch, any color will work. You could also try using zucchini or mushrooms as a different veggie option!
Spices: The spice blend really makes a difference! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a little cayenne pepper for heat can work too. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to wrap. But if you prefer corn, they’re naturally gluten-free and add a wonderful flavor. Both work well with these fajitas!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the chicken just right is key for tender fajitas. Here’s a quick guideline:
- Cut the chicken into thin slices; this helps it cook faster and stay juicy.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken; this also helps to caramelize the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you have to, this helps avoid steaming and keeps everything nice and seared.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. You can slice one piece in half to check!
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time! Enjoy the cooking process and your delightful fajitas!
Best Ever Chicken Fajitas Recipe For Easy Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (assorted colors: red, yellow, green), thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado or guacamole
- Salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at about 25 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and effortless weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix is what will give your fajitas that delicious flavor!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken and sprinkle half of the spice mixture over it. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes until they become tender and slightly charred. This will allow the natural sweetness to come out!
4. Adding Garlic and Spices:
Stir in the minced garlic along with the remaining spices. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and adds a lovely aroma!
5. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it in with the veggies. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 minutes to meld those wonderful flavors.
6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the fajita mixture. Give it a good stir to incorporate all that zesty goodness!
7. Warm the Tortillas:
While you’re finishing the filling, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwave them for about 20 seconds so they’re nice and soft.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken fajitas hot with the warm tortillas and sprinkle on your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado, or salsa. Enjoy your tasty weekday feast!
Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with sliced beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; for example, shrimp cooks faster than chicken.
Can I Prep These Fajitas in Advance?
Yes! You can slice the chicken and veggies and mix the spices ahead of time. Keep everything in the fridge and assemble right before cooking to keep it fresh and flavorful!
How Do I Store Leftover Fajitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of lime juice to refresh the flavors!
What Can I Serve with Chicken Fajitas?
Chicken fajitas are delicious on their own but pair well with sides like cilantro-lime rice, beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with extra toppings like guacamole and salsa for a fun taco night!
