Oh, the sizzle of fajitas on a hot skillet—it’s like music to my ears! Easy Chicken Fajitas that Everyone Will Love are a fiesta on a plate, and trust me, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. The vibrant colors of bell peppers mingling with tender strips of chicken create a visual carnival, while the aroma, oh, it transports you straight to a bustling Mexican street market.
Funny story, the first time I tried making fajitas, I accidentally used twice the amount of chili powder—my family’s eyes watered, but we laughed through it (and drank a lot of water). This recipe, though, is perfectly balanced—no fire alarms needed. So grab your skillet, some tortillas, and let’s make some delicious chaos in the kitchen!
Steps
- Prepare the fajita seasoning by combining chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Coat the chicken breasts generously with the prepared seasoning, pressing it onto both sides to ensure even coverage.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is cooking, thinly slice the bell peppers and onion. After removing the chicken, add the vegetables to the same skillet and sauté over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
- Cut the rested chicken into strips, and if needed, slice them again for thinner pieces. Return the chicken strips to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and vegetables, stir everything together, and serve immediately with tortillas and your choice of toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced (choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for variety)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ lime
- Fajita seasoning mix: chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper
FAQ
- Is a cast iron skillet necessary for making chicken fajitas?
- While a cast iron skillet is ideal for searing the chicken and achieving a nice char with enhanced flavors, a stainless steel pan can also be used effectively. Just ensure your cast iron is well-seasoned to prevent sticking.
- Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
- Absolutely! Grilling the chicken is a great alternative and will add a smoky flavor that complements the Mexican spices beautifully.
- Is it possible to season the chicken before slicing it?
- Yes, seasoning the chicken before slicing is a fantastic way to ensure the seasoning coats all sides. However, it’s also fine to season the chicken after it’s been sliced.
- How should I store leftover chicken fajitas?
- Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen fajitas in the fridge overnight and reheat them quickly in the microwave when ready to eat.
- Can I use a fajita marinade instead of seasoning?
- Both options work well! A homemade fajita marinade can add delicious flavors, but the dry rub fajita seasoning is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Tips
- Double the Fajita Seasoning: Consider preparing a larger batch of the homemade fajita seasoning to keep on hand. This not only enhances the flavor of your fajitas but also saves time for future meals by having the seasoning ready to go.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For optimal flavor, try using a cast iron skillet to sear the chicken. It helps to achieve a nice char on the chicken and enhances the overall taste, though a stainless steel pan can be an alternative if needed.
- Prep in Advance for Meal Prep: Chicken fajitas are perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge for several days or use them to top salads for a quick and healthy lunch option.
- Experiment with Proteins: Don’t hesitate to switch up the protein in this recipe. While chicken is traditional, shrimp or steak can be excellent alternatives for different flavor profiles and variety.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for searing the chicken and getting a nice char.
- Instant-Read Thermometer – Useful for checking if the chicken is cooked through to the proper internal temperature.
- Mixing Bowls – Necessary for preparing the fajita seasoning and other ingredients.
- Tortilla Press (optional) – Useful if you decide to make homemade tortillas, like cassava flour tortillas mentioned in the recipe.
