These chicken fajitas are super quick and full of flavor! Juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and onions come together in a tasty mix that’s perfect for a fun dinner.
I love to pile mine high with toppings like cheese and salsa. It’s the perfect excuse to get messy! You can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes—now that’s a win! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken thighs for more moisture or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: The recipe uses red, green, and yellow bell peppers for a colorful dish. Feel free to swap any of these with other colors or even use poblano peppers for a slight kick!
Spices: Chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin provide that classic fajita flavor. If you’re out of one, you can use taco seasoning instead, or make your own spice mix using other spices like oregano or cayenne.
Olive Oil: While I love using olive oil for its flavor and health benefits, you can opt for avocado oil or even vegetable oil if you prefer.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken fajitas lies in both the marinating and cooking methods. First, make sure to coat your chicken evenly with oil and spices. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken tender. Here’s how to cook it perfectly:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken to ensure a nice sear.
- Cook the breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side, but make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender.
Using these tips, you’ll have deliciously juicy chicken fajitas every time!
Best Ever Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total of around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious option for dinner that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together your chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for some heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be the flavorful rub for your chicken!
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and rub them all over with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly until well coated. This will give you that delicious flavor!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. Season these with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
5. Slicing the Chicken:
After the chicken has rested, slice it into strips. This makes it easy to serve and combine with the veggies!
6. Serving Your Fajitas:
Arrange the sautéed vegetables and chicken strips on a serving plate or right in the skillet. Top with sliced avocados and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges and warm tortillas alongside any other toppings you enjoy, like salsa, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful, and easy chicken fajitas! 🌮
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or even jackfruit. Just ensure to season and cook it until golden brown for the best flavor!
What Should I Serve with Chicken Fajitas?
Chicken fajitas are delicious served with warm tortillas, but you can also enjoy them with rice, quinoa, or in a salad. Add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese for extra flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also warm them in the microwave but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
