Chicken Fajitas
762 Comments
Aug 21, 2024
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Chicken fajitas are a classic Mexican recipe and a personal favorite for an easy, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and seared, then tossed with vibrant vegetables, and finished with a punch of fresh lime juice. And while this is the perfect meal wrapped with tortillas and toppings, I’ve got a few more tasty serving ideas below!
Why Everyone Raves About These Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are hands-down the item I order most frequently at Mexican restaurants (besides guacamole, of course). There’s just something about the sizzling skillet being brought to the table that gets my taste buds excited! And the good news is that it’s incredibly easy to recreate this fabulous dinner at home. It’s also a fun crowd-pleaser for Taco Tuesday or when I’m hosting a dinner party. But here are a few other things to love about this recipe:
- The homemade fajita seasoning is unmatched. The simple blend of bold spices really elevates the flavor of the dish. I often make a double batch of the fajita seasoning to keep on hand.
- It’s made in less than 30 minutes. From start to finish, it takes very little time to create juicy chicken, tender veggies, and an all-around satisfying meal. That’s why it’s a favorite for easy weeknight dinners.
- It’s great for meal prep. You can store any leftover fajitas in the fridge to enjoy for several days or top the sliced chicken and veggies on salad greens for a lighter lunch.
- You can switch up the proteins. While chicken fajitas are my go-to, I often switch up this recipe and make shrimp fajitas or steak fajitas. Essentially, I’ll happily eat all the different types of fajitas.
Chicken Fajita Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: I’m using boneless skinless chicken breasts. But you could also use chicken thighs for an even juicier option.
- Vegetables: Sliced onion and bell peppers make for a bright and tasty fajita dish. I like to use red, yellow, and green bell peppers for lots of color, but you can choose any color of bell peppers.
- Lime: Grab a fresh lime to squeeze on top at the end. The punch of acidity really makes the dish.
- Fajita seasoning: Skip the pre-made seasoning packets because nothing compares to the flavor of homemade seasonings. Plus, you’ll avoid any unnecessary fillers and additives. You just need a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Taco additions: A few essentials I love to prepare are my cassava flour tortillas, sour cream, pico de Gallo, and sliced avocados. But I’ll talk through more serving ideas below.
Is it better to use a fajita seasoning or marinade? Both are great options! I have a chicken fajita marinade (from my list of chicken marinades) that can be used for this recipe with delicious results. But the dry rub fajita seasoning flavors the chicken perfectly for an equally delicious and super quick meal.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make Chicken Fajitas
Season the chicken. Generously sprinkle the fajita seasoning on both sides of the chicken and use your fingers to press it in.
Sear the chicken. Lightly coat your skillet with oil and sear the chicken breasts on each side for 7 to 8 minutes. Then remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into strips.
Saute the bell peppers and onion. While the chicken is cooking, slice the bell peppers and onions. Then saute them in the same skillet for a few minutes until caramelized. You’re essentially making fajita veggies!
Mix everything and serve. Slice the chicken into thin strips and add them back into the skillet. You can also slice those strips in half again if they’re too thick. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top, and stir everything together before serving.
Ways To Serve Chicken Fajitas
- Make chicken fajita tacos or wraps: This is my favorite way to serve them! Grab a fresh batch of tortillas and prep a few toppings such as sliced avocados or guacamole, red salsa or pico de gallo, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
- Go light with lettuce wraps. Instead of using tortillas, use butter lettuce to make a lettuce wrap! Then add your favorite taco toppings.
- Make a fajita rice bowl: Make my cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice for a super delicious rice bowl. Then add black beans, sweet corn, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of lime crema or chipotle sauce on top for a flavorful touch.
Common Questions
When it comes to cooking the chicken, a cast iron skillet is ideal for searing. It gives a nice char and maximizes the flavors from the seasoning. Just make sure to season your cast iron properly to prevent sticking. But if you don’t own a cast iron pan, a stainless steel pan will work.
Fajitas are typically cooked in a skillet, but you are more than welcome to grill the chicken! You’ll get a nice smoky flavor, enhancing all those delicious Mexican spices.
Definitely! This is another great way to ensure the seasoning coats all sides of the chicken before it’s thrown onto the skillet. But again, it’s not necessary.
Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator the night before, then quickly reheat it in the microwave.
More Easy Mexican Recipes
- Carne Asada: Made with the best marinade for carne asada tacos.
- Birria: Turn this into crispy, cheesy birria tacos.
- Carnitas: A pork lover’s dream.
- Taco soup: Enjoy the best taco flavors in one hearty soup.
- Shrimp Tacos: Paired with a tasty cilantro bacon slaw.
- Huevos Rancheros: The best kind of savory Mexican breakfast.
- Or enjoy these other delicious Mexican recipes!
If you make this chicken fajitas recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Chicken Fajitas – Easy & Flavorful!
Description
Video
Equipment
- Staub Cast Iron Fry Pan My favorite cast iron fry pan for stovetop dishes!
- Zwilling Chef's Knife This is the knife I use in my everyday cooking.
Ingredients
Chicken Fajitas
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers , thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ lime
Fajita Seasoning
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Serving
- tortillas
- sour cream
- pico de gallo
- avocado
Instructions
- Make fajita seasoning. Add the fajita seasoning ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir together.
- Season the chicken. Generously sprinkle the fajita seasoning on both sides of the chicken and use your fingers to press it into the chicken.
- Cook the chicken. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side.
- Slice the veggies. While your chicken is cooking, cut the bell peppers and onion into thin slices.
- Cook the veggies. Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove it to a plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Add the bell peppers and onion to the same skillet over medium heat and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Slice the chicken. When the bell peppers are just about done sauteing, slice the chicken breasts into strips. You can slice those pieces in half again for thinner strips of chicken.
- Mix and serve. Add the chicken back into the skillet, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and stir everything together. Serve immediately with tortillas and extra toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole.
Lisa’s Tips
- If you’re unsure if your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to see if the internal temperature is 165°F. And since you’ll be letting the chicken rest while cooking the veggies, I recommend taking it out of the pan at around 160°F, as there will be carry-over cooking.
- If you want extra flavoring on your chicken, use my fajita marinade from this chicken marinade post! Plus, these can be frozen and used at a later time.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted February 2020, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
This recipe was…not it. Easy sure, but the fajita seasoning lacked the kick fajitas usually have. I was very excited to find such a simple recipe with such rave reviews but this is not deserving of 5 stars. 2 or 3 is my opinion. Barely any flavor, and not the proper seasoning mix, even when we added way more (proportionally) of each thing. Calling this fajitas is like calling salt & pepper flavorful spices.
Best fajitas I’ve ever had!
Simple and tasty. This is my go to for a beach bbq
This is my go to for fajitas now and part of my regular rotation. It’s so quick and easy for weeknights! I make it just as described and the seasoning is perfect. I’ll never use a packet for this again. I’ve always cut the chicken into strips first but never again. Who knew?! I’m clearly not a natural cook lol. The sear you get and the juiciness that the chicken retains makes all the difference. I love fresh lime and we add cheddar cheese and sour cream. Yum!
This is my favourite weeknight meal! I can’t count how many times I’ve made it and it always blows me away. So easy, delicious and healthy!
Wonderful! So happy you love the recipe.
I added in some portobello mushrooms as well since they were in the fridge. Used sour cream, your mango salsa (also amazing) and avocado in a tortilla wrap … soooo good!!! Will be using leftovers today in a chicken fajita salad!
Oh yum! That sounds like a delicious combo. Enjoy!
Damn this girl knows her way around a kitchen. I’m in love. If ever I turn up single… I’ll be asking her out. And if she’s married I guess I’ll ask them both out
Haha, so happy you loved the recipe, David!
Looks delicious. Can I use lemon instead of lime?
It was easy and delicious!! I didn’t change anything! It was perfect. I didn’t have lime, but it 3as still great! Thank you for the recipe
Hi Lisa – Happy to hear you enjoyed this chicken fajitas recipe!
So good! We ended up cutting the chicken in strips before cooking so the seasoning covers everything. This is such a great option for having guests over!
Hi Rachel – Great way to make the most of the seasoning! I’m glad everyone loved this recipe.
Best Fajita seasoning recipe I have found, hands down!! Followed the whole recipe exactly and they were the best fajitas I’ve ever made!!
Thanks so much, Brittany!
I was trying to think of something good to cook tonight for casual guests. This was perfect. I am allergic to onions and bell peppers, but I subbed those out for carrot shreds and zucchini spears.
Hi Judy – Happy to hear you love this chicken fajitas recipe!
Delicious. My family loves this recipe. Winner and so easy.
Happy you and your family love these chicken fajitas, Monica!
Thank you, these are a must to make❣️
I’m glad you loved them, Nancy!
These are SO good! Question, what is a serving size of these? I see the nutrition info and that this makes 6 servings – but no serving size is listed and that would be super helpful for someone like me who is logging food to lose weight.
Good. However it would be helpful to know the appx wt of the chicken breast you intended for this recipe. I guessed appx 6 to 7 each
Hi there – I would say about 6-ounces each.
Loved loved this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing this. My family absolutely devoured it. I have tried your humus recipe as well. It’s easy and delicious. Your recipes will be my go to from now on ❤️
Hi Anita – Happy to hear the whole family enjoyed this recipe!
Can I use frozen fajita peppers and onions if I don’t have fresh?
Hi Jerri – That should be fine.
I forgot to rate this recipe. 5 stars all the way! After trying this recipe, it’s a good idea for me to buy your cookbook! Thank you once again. 🥰
Made this for dinner… Only catch was the chicken was frozen… So we sliced it before seasoning and cooking it. Wow was it yummy! This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Hi Susan – Glad this turned out great with frozen chicken!
I absolutely love this recipe! So easy to follow with great results. Sometimes I will add sliced jalapenos to the peppers and onions if I have them on hand. But the recipe on its own is my go-to. I make it for dinner and always make enough so that there are leftovers for lunches. I originally found this recipe online but liked it so much I bought the cookbook! I was not disappointed. For someone who has a bookshelf full of cookbooks, I keep this one in the kitchen to help with meal plans. Thank you Lisa!
Hi Beth – Happy to hear you love this chicken fajitas recipe!
Awesome recipe. Just the right amount of spice
Hi Brian – Glad you love this chicken fajitas!
Awesome
I love the seasoning mix. If you cook it in advance, what is the best way to reheat it? Covered in a low oven temp? Slow cooker on warm?
Hi Laura – I normally reheat this in the microwave, but you could also do it in a low oven temp.
Planning to make this for dinner. Was wondering if the seasoning could be put on the chicken and kept in the fridge ahead of time. The recipe sounds like you season it and fry it right away. Didn’t know if doing it ahead would make the flavor too strong.
Can’t wait to make it. Thank you!
Hi Jerry – I think that should be fine as long as you don’t leave it in there for too long.
Very tasty and easy to make
Hi Jo – Happy to hear you love this chicken fajitas recipe!
I love recipe
Hi David – Happy to hear you’re enjoying this chicken fajitas recipe!
So well done with just the right descriptions and explanations and perfect pace with helpful video
Hi Lyn – I’m glad this video and post was helpful!
Looks good Lisa!
Hi Vickie – Hope you enjoy!
I come back to this recipe over and over again. It is a family favorite!
Wonderful! Happy to hear it, Rachel!
Absolutely amazing, this was my first time cooking something so good! Thank you for the recipe!
Hi Michael – Happy to hear you loved this chicken fajitas recipe!
Tried this recipe for dinner tonight and I must say it was extremely tasty!! What would I change in recipe NOTHING taste just like all our local Mexican restaurants thank you for the recipe!
Thanks so much, Joseph! I’m happy you loved these chicken fajitas.
This is a family favorite! These fajitas are SO easy to make, yet SO full of flavor and fresh-tasting. We make them so often that I prep a large batch of the rub to have on hand…making the recipe even easier. :) Lisa nailed it, once again….which is why Downshiftology is my absolute “go to” place to find THE best recipes to nourish my family with absolutely delicious, yet simple and healthy whole food.
Hi Terri – I’m glad the chicken fajitas was a hit with your family!
This was super easy and hubby liked it. Slicing the veg super thin helped cook it faster and made some caramelization.
Hi Corre – Glad this chicken fajitas was a hit!
I did it! Thank you so much. This was delicious and easy enough. My 1st time was a great success
Hi Brian – Wonderful! Glad this recipe was a success.
The fajitas were a big hit with everyone on New Year’s Eve. I cut my chicken into strips and marinated for a half hour. Other than that, I followed your recipe exactly and used my cast iron fry pan. Very tasty. I tripled the fajita seasoning mix and now have it on hand for the next time!
I’m glad you enjoyed the chicken fajitas, Becky! And so smart of you to triple the fajita seasoning. It will make it that much easier and faster for future fajitas!
Very tasty and simple!
I’ve made this recipe several times and realized I hadn’t left a review. That ends today! My family and I have added this to our regular rotation. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious; a perfect meal for busy weeknights or any night for that matter. Absolutely delicious!
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, Paula! I’m thrilled you and your family love this recipe. :)
Perfect recipe. It was a hit.
Hi Teresa – I’m glad you loved this chicken fajitas recipe!
This was so simple and flavourful! Thanks for a quick dinner idea to make for busy weeknights!
Thanks for leaving a review, Stef! I’m glad you enjoyed this chicken fajitas recipe.
This was absolutely delicious! I skipped the Paprika since I didn’t have any and I marinated the chicken (cut into strips first) in the spice mix + the juice of a lime + some avocado oil for a couple hours. It came out soooo tender and flavorful. I normally don’t repeat recipes within a few weeks but I made this Sunday night and I’m making it tonight (Thursday!) Excellent
Hi Gabriella – I’m so glad you love this chicken fajitas!
Bravo!!! Love love this – ` easy and delicious.
Can I use left over cooked chicken breasts?
I suggest cooking the veggie portion first, then adding the cooked chicken back into the pan to warm them up! But, it’s best to make this recipe from scratch as you need to season the chicken as well.
I am making this for my family right now. I am a vegetarian so I substituted mushrooms for my portion and seasoned and cooked it separately. It looks amazing already. They are going to love the chicken too.
I hope the entire family love the fajitas!
I just was a tad bit too tired tonight to put it together so I cheated and found this recipe. My goodness so glad I did! Perfect combo of seasoning.
Thank you,
GrammyRed
Happy you loved it!
This recipe is so delicious and easy! It’s my new go to Mexican dish recipe! I’ve made it 5 times at least. And usually my kids eat it well too.
Happy the whole family loves the fajitas!
Wow! I followed your recipe exactly and it’s awesome! I did a combination of shrimp, left over prime rib and chicken breast for the meat. Thank you!
Renee
I just made some tonight….for dinner…
Oh my so yummy Lisa. My parents like them too..
I’m glad you and your family enjoyed the fajitas!
This looks very good,& I am glad you showed us what spices to mix for the fajitas. I didn’t know you could make your own. Thank you for showing me.
You’re welcome, Wendy! Homemade spice blends are the best. Enjoy the chicken fajitas!
Thank you Lisa..
really amazing recipe!! i made it without cumin and it was still great!!
Great! I’m happy to hear this chicken fajitas recipe was a hit, Skylar.
These fajitas are so good! I always make this when chicken is on sale. It’s easy to make and so flavorful. I usually add some crushed red pepper and fresh jalapenos (or canned chiles) because my family likes it spicy :)
Love the addition of fresh jalapenos or canned chilies – I’m a fan of both!
I make it pretty frequently, it is one of the favorites in my kitchen! Thank you!
Happy you love it, Aneta!
My new go-to chicken fajita recipe. So easy for a weeknight meal. Thanks Lisa!
This chicken fajitas is truly the greatest weeknight meal!
Delicious! I just made this tonight for dinner! It truly is easy and flavorful! Thank you!
So happy you loved these chicken fajitas, Ann!
Is it spicey? My son won’t eat anything with any kind of heat at all. Should I reduce the amount of chilli or leave it out altogether?
Hi Tania – These aren’t spicy!
Needs a bit more spice I thought. But pretty good overall.
My favourite fajita recipe. Love ❤️