This Easy Chicken Fajitas recipe is perfect for a quick dinner! It features juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices all cooked in one pan.
I love how easy it is to whip these up after a long day. Just slice, sauté, and serve with tortillas. You can even let everyone build their own—fun and tasty! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but you can use thighs for juicier meat. Tofu or tempeh can be fantastic for a vegetarian version!
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors for a flavorful dish. If you can’t find yellow or red peppers, feel free to use green or even zucchini for variety.
Spices: The chili powder, cumin, and paprika give the fajitas a nice kick. If you want a milder flavor, skip the crushed red pepper flakes. You could also use taco seasoning as a shortcut.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and chewy, while corn tortillas offer a gluten-free option with a slightly different flavor. Choose what you prefer!
How Do I Get My Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but not with this method! The key is to cut the chicken thinly, which helps it cook evenly and quickly. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the skillet to a medium-high temperature to sear the chicken.
- Cook the chicken without overcrowding the pan to ensure it browns nicely.
- Mix in spices halfway through cooking for more flavor.
- Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
By following these tips, you’ll have juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your fajitas! 🎉
Easy Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
For Seasoning and Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortillas (flour or corn) for serving
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In just about 25 minutes, you can have a flavorful dinner on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. This will add a burst of flavor to your fajitas!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, and sprinkle half of the spice mixture over it. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix over the vegetables, and sauté until they are tender and slightly crisp, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture, and toss everything together to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken and vegetables are blending their delicious flavors, warm your tortillas according to the package instructions. You can use a skillet, microwave, or oven to heat them up. Warm tortillas hold everything better!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture on warm tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, or salsa. Enjoy your quick and delicious chicken fajitas!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajitas
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The safest way is to let it thaw overnight in the fridge. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting, but be sure to cook it immediately after thawing.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use sliced beef, shrimp, or even mushroom and tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins will require different times to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftover Fajitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for the best results, or microwave them for a quicker option, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make the Fajita Mix Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just warm it up and add to your tortillas. You can also pre-chop your vegetables and mix the spices to save time at dinner!
