These Easy Chicken Fajitas are colorful and full of flavor, perfect for a quick dinner! With tender chicken, bell peppers, and onions tossed in spices, it’s a meal that’s both tasty and fun.
I love how quick they are to whip up—just toss it all in a pan! Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, and they’ll soon be a family favorite! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook quickly. If you prefer, use chicken thighs for a juicier flavor. You can also substitute tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a non-meat option!
Bell Peppers: I love a mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers for their color and sweetness. If any of these are unavailable, you can use just one type or switch to other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
Spices: The blend of spices creates the fajita flavor! If you don’t have cumin or chili powder, paprika can stand alone or you can use taco seasoning instead. Experiment with spices you have on hand!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and chewy, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work great too. Just warm them up to make them pliable.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right is key for delicious fajitas. Here’s how to ensure it’s tender and juicy:
- Use medium-high heat to cook the chicken. This allows it to brown nicely without drying out.
- Slice the chicken into even strips so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Let the cooked chicken rest for a minute before slicing or serving. This keeps it juicy!
Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe for a Quick Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Flour or corn tortillas, warmed, for serving
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 30 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that can fit easily into any busy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This blend will add a wonderful flavor to your chicken and veggies. Set it aside for later!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often until they become tender and slightly charred. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside—this brings out their sweet flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken and add the minced garlic. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is browned and cooked through (no pink inside!).
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked peppers and onions to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.
5. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture. This will brighten up the flavors!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the hot chicken and pepper mixture with warm tortillas. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy your easy and delicious chicken fajitas dinner!
FAQ About Easy Chicken Fajitas
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different protein, you can use boneless turkey breasts, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp will cook faster than chicken and tofu may need more time to achieve a nice texture.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing some spices, you can use a pre-made taco seasoning instead. It usually contains many similar spices and will still give you a delicious flavor! Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken fajitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken with the spice mix for several hours or even overnight to enhance flavor. You can also cook the chicken and veggies ahead and store them separately. Just reheat and serve when ready!
