These best-ever chicken fajitas are quick and tasty! Made with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and spices, they make for a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Making fajitas is a blast! Just sizzle the chicken and veggies, then wrap them in a warm tortilla. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream for an extra treat! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things lean and easy. If you want a more exciting flavor, try using thighs for a juicier bite or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and green adds color and sweetness. If they’re not available, you can use any kind of sweet peppers or even zucchini for a unique crunch.
Spices: This spice mix is key to a flavorful fajita. If you’re low on spices, taco seasoning works just fine as a substitute, saving you some hassle!
Tortillas: I prefer flour tortillas for their softness, but corn tortillas give a nice texture. Use gluten-free tortillas if needed!
How Can I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it every time! Make sure to pat the chicken dry first; this helps the oil and spices stick better. Also, avoid crowding the pan to ensure a nice sear.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken for a great char.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the outside is golden and the inside is fully cooked (check with a meat thermometer).
- Let it rest a few minutes after cooking; this keeps all the juices locked in!
Best Ever Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Tortillas, for serving (flour or corn)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30-40 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and seasoning the chicken, then around 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Spice It Up!
Start by mixing together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if you like a bit of heat), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This spice mix is going to add lots of flavor to your chicken!
2. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the spices stick better! Rub olive oil all over the chicken, then coat both sides with your spice mixture. Make sure it’s well covered for the best taste!
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are nicely charred and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Slice and Sauté
While the chicken is resting, thinly slice it into strips. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine and Heat Through
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through. You want all those flavors to meld together beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Warm your tortillas, then serve the chicken and vegetable mixture with sliced avocado, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro on the side. Feel free to add sour cream, shredded cheese, or salsa to make it your own!
Enjoy your delicious, easy homemade chicken fajitas! 🌮
FAQ for Best Ever Easy Chicken Fajitas
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour. Make sure to pat it dry before seasoning!
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing some spices, taco seasoning can be a great substitute. Just use the same amount as you would for the combined spices in the recipe. It’ll still taste delicious!
How Can I Customize the Vegetables?
You can definitely customize the vegetables based on your preferences! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn would work well. Just cook them until tender and add them to the chicken mixture!
Can I Make These Fajitas Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep and cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to use, just reheat in a skillet or the microwave before serving with warm tortillas!
