Chicken Fajitas are a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring seasoned, sautéed chicken with colorful bell peppers and onions. They’re quick to make and perfect for a casual meal. Here’s a classic recipe to make delicious chicken fajitas:
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: 1 ½ pounds, sliced into thin strips
- Bell peppers: 2 (red and green or any colors), sliced
- Onion: 1 large, sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fajita seasoning: 2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade; see recipe below)
- Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Flour or corn tortillas: for serving
- Fresh cilantro: chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges: for serving
- Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese: for toppings (optional)
Homemade Fajita Seasoning (optional):
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken (optional but recommended):
- In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning, and lime juice. Mix well.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice sear, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the remaining fajita seasoning and stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the oven.
- Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Garnish with lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken fajitas are versatile and can be served as a DIY fajita bar, allowing everyone to build their own tacos. Pair them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy with a cold margarita or a refreshing iced tea.
