These chicken fajitas are a real treat for busy weeknights! With juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and tasty spices, they’re quick to whip up and oh-so-delicious.
Seriously, who needs takeout when you can have these? I love piling them high with my favorite toppings like guacamole and salsa. Yum! 🥑
Prep is a breeze with just one pan needed! Toss everything together, cook it up, and you’ll have a fantastic meal in no time. Perfect for a family dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and quick cooking. You could swap them for boneless thighs if you prefer darker meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds flavor and color. If you’re short on variety, feel free to use just one type, or even add some hot peppers for a spicy kick!
Onion: A large onion works well for adding sweetness. If you want a milder taste, consider using sweet onions like Vidalia or even green onions as a fresh topping.
Spices: The spice blend is key for flavor. If you lack a spice, don’t fret! You could use taco seasoning instead for a quick fix or experiment with your favorite spices.
Tortillas: I love flour tortillas for their soft texture. But corn tortillas are a gluten-free alternative and work great as well. Just warm them up a bit before serving!
How Do I Cook Chicken Fajitas Perfectly?
Getting that juicy, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked veggies is all about timing and heat. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear on your chicken. Keep the heat up to medium-high!
- Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan. If you do, the chicken will steam instead of brown.
- Select a large skillet for both chicken and veggies. This saves time and makes cleanup easier!
- Toss the chicken occasionally while it cooks. This promotes even cooking and browning.
- Cook the veggies until they’re tender and slightly charred, which enhances their flavor!
Don’t forget to squeeze that lime juice at the end for a fresh finish. Enjoy your fajitas!
Best Ever Chicken Fajitas Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Spice Mix:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice). This blend is what makes your fajitas flavorful!
2. Season the Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil and half of the spice mixture until the chicken is well coated. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and light brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle on the rest of your spice mixture and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the veggies are tender and slightly charred. This adds a nice depth of flavor!
5. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the colorful vegetables. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, stir everything to combine, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate dry skillet or microwave, warm the tortillas until they’re pliable. This will make them easier to fill and roll up!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place the chicken and pepper mixture onto the warm tortillas. Top them off with fresh cilantro and any of your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese. Roll them up and dig in!
Enjoy your Best Ever Chicken Fajitas, a perfect solution for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner!
FAQs About the Best Ever Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs may take a minute longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What Vegetables Can I Add?
You can get creative! Consider adding sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for any additional vegetables you choose to ensure everything is tender and well-cooked.
How Do I Store Leftover Fajitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken with the spices and olive oil a few hours ahead or overnight. You can also chop the veggies in advance. Just cook everything just before serving for the best flavor and texture!
