This easy chicken fajitas recipe is all about juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and sweet onions. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor, perfect for any night of the week!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that smells amazing while cooking? I love popping the fajitas in tortillas and adding some salsa. My taste buds do a happy dance! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for fajitas since they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a swap, try using chicken thighs for a bit more flavor and juiciness.
Peppers: This recipe calls for red, green, and yellow bell peppers, which make everything colorful and tasty. Feel free to mix it up! You can use other varieties like orange peppers or even add a jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Onions: A large onion adds sweetness and depth. I usually go for yellow onions, but red onions can work too, giving a lovely color and slightly sharper taste.
Spices: The spice blend is key to achieving great flavor. If you don’t have all the spices, using a pre-made fajita seasoning can be a quick alternative. Just check for salt content!
How Do I Sauté the Chicken and Veggies Perfectly?
Sautéing the chicken and veggies correctly is vital to keep everything tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil. A hot pan helps to brown the chicken nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook chicken in batches if necessary to achieve that golden brown without steaming.
- When cooking onions and peppers, stir them occasionally, but let them sit a bit to get the right char and sweetness.
- Always squeeze fresh lime juice at the end to enhance all those delicious flavors.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the perfect chicken fajitas that everyone will love!
Easy Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, salsa, guacamole
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delicious meal. In total, you can have these tasty chicken fajitas ready to serve in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. This spice mixture is going to give your fajitas that delicious flavor!
2. Season the Chicken:
Place the sliced chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken pieces and sprinkle half of the spice mixture over them. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the veggies, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
5. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through. Remove from heat and squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the mixture for a fresh kick!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Load up each warm tortilla with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, salsa, or guacamole. Roll them up, and your homemade chicken fajitas are ready to be enjoyed!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your easy chicken fajitas with peppers and onions!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While bell peppers and onions are traditional, you can add or substitute with other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn for a different twist. Just ensure they are sliced thinly for even cooking!
How to Store Leftover Fajitas?
Cool the leftovers to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes! If you have pre-cooked chicken, simply skip the cooking step and add it to the skillet with the vegetables to heat through. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed for extra flavor!
What Are the Best Tortillas to Use?
You can use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. For a gluten-free option, stick to corn tortillas. Just warm them up in a skillet or microwave before serving for better flexibility!
