Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Sizzling Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Whipping up delicious chicken fajitas can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed adventure.

Sautéed peppers and onions create a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen with excitement.

Crisp tortillas wait eagerly to embrace the spice-rubbed chicken strips.

Mexican-inspired cuisine brings a burst of zesty goodness to your dinner table.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exotic.

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime add the perfect finishing touch.

You’ll want to gather everyone around and savor each delectable bite of this irresistible dish.

Tasty Twists For Easy Chicken Fajitas

  • Vegetarian Fajita Fiesta: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, sliced into strips and marinated in the same spice blend for a protein-packed meatless alternative.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Swap flour tortillas with large lettuce leaves like butter or romaine for a light, crisp wrapper that cuts down on carbohydrates.
  • Seafood Sensation: Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish like tilapia, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintaining the same vibrant spice profile.
  • Paleo-Friendly Version: Remove tortillas completely, serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over cauliflower rice or directly on a bed of mixed greens for a grain-free, nutrient-dense meal.

Perfect Sides With Easy Chicken Fajitas

  • Pair with Zesty Margarita: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a tangy cocktail that complements the spicy chicken fajitas, cutting through the richness with its citrusy kick.
  • Serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Create a refreshing side dish featuring grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime, balancing the fajitas' warmth with cool, creamy textures.
  • Match with Crisp Cerveza: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo, whose clean, crisp flavor profiles enhance the smoky and spicy notes of the fajita mixture.

Best Way To Store Easy Chicken Fajitas

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken and vegetables separate from tortillas to maintain crispness, and consume within 3-4 days.
  • Pack cooled fajita filling in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months; freeze tortillas separately in a sealed bag.
  • Place chicken and vegetable mixture on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs About Easy Chicken Fajitas

  • What are the key spices used in this fajita recipe?

The spice blend includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, creating a robust and authentic Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

  • Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! The bacon is optional. If you skip it, simply start by heating olive oil in the skillet and proceed with cooking the chicken and vegetables.

  • How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?

Slice the chicken into thin, uniform strips and coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Cook over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.

  • What type of tortillas work best for these fajitas?

Flour tortillas are recommended. Warm them briefly in a pan or microwave to make them soft and pliable for easy wrapping and serving.

Why Easy Chicken Fajitas Are Always A Hit

  • Slice and Spice Like a Pro: Perfectly cut chicken and a homemade spice blend elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, making you feel like a culinary master.
  • Bacon's Secret Weapon: Adding crispy bacon pieces introduces a smoky depth that transforms the entire dish, creating an irresistible flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more.
  • Quick and Colorful Cooking: Vibrant bell peppers and onions not only add nutrition but also create a visually stunning meal that looks as good as it tastes, making dinner both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: The build-your-own fajita style allows everyone to personalize their plate, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or casual weeknight meals where individual preferences matter.

Everything Needed For Easy Chicken Fajitas

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the main protein and absorbs the fajita flavors.
  • Bacon: Optional ingredient that adds a smoky and rich depth to the dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that create a textured and flavorful base for the fajitas.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
For the Seasonings and Accompaniments:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that provides robust and complex flavor to the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sear the chicken and vegetables.
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft wraps used for assembling the fajitas.
  • Lime: Citrus fruit that adds a bright and fresh finish to the dish.
  • Cilantro, Sour Cream: Optional garnishes that provide additional flavor and creaminess.

Steps To Make Easy Chicken Fajitas At Home

Step 1: Prepare Protein and Vegetables

Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Dice bacon into small pieces. Chop bell peppers and onions into long, thin strips. Mince garlic finely.

Step 2: Create Spice Blend

Mix these spices in a small bowl:
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Season Chicken

Coat chicken strips completely with spice mixture, massaging seasonings deep into the meat.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 5: Cook Bacon

Add bacon pieces and cook until crispy, releasing savory fat into pan.

Step 6: Sear Chicken

Add chicken strips to skillet, cooking 4-5 minutes until golden brown and almost fully cooked.

Step 7: Add Vegetables

Toss bell peppers, onions, and garlic into skillet. Sauté 3-4 minutes until vegetables remain crisp.

Step 8: Warm Tortillas

Heat flour tortillas in separate pan or microwave for soft wrapping.

Step 9: Finish with Brightness

Squeeze fresh lime juice over sizzling chicken and vegetable mixture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot fajitas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sour cream. Let diners build their own delicious combinations.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Easy Chicken Fajitas

  • Slice Strategically: Cut chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Bacon Boost: Dice bacon into small pieces to add a smoky, rich undertone that elevates the entire dish.
  • Pepper Power: Chop bell peppers and onions into long, thin strips for a colorful, textured base that adds visual appeal and flavor.
  • Spice Sensation: Create a robust spice blend by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then thoroughly coat chicken strips to enhance taste.
  • Sizzle and Serve: Cook ingredients in stages, starting with bacon, then chicken, and finally vegetables, to develop deep, layered flavors and achieve perfect texture.
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Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling “easy chicken fajitas” bring Mexican street flavor straight to kitchen counters with bold spices and colorful peppers. Crisp tortillas, tender chicken, and zesty toppings create a simple meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast
  • 0.5 lbs bacon (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 2 large bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 6 flour tortillas
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime (for juice)

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  2. Dice bacon into small pieces if using, which will add a smoky richness to the dish.
  3. Chop bell peppers and onions into long, thin strips, creating a colorful and textured base for the fajitas.
  4. Mince garlic finely to distribute its aromatic essence throughout the dish.
  5. In a small bowl, blend chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a robust spice mixture.
  6. Coat chicken strips thoroughly with the spice blend, massaging the seasonings into the meat for deep flavor penetration.
  7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
  8. Add bacon pieces (if using) and cook until they start to crisp, releasing their savory fat into the pan.
  9. Introduce chicken strips to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
  10. Incorporate bell peppers, onions, and garlic into the skillet, sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  11. Warm flour tortillas in a separate pan or microwave for soft, pliable wrapping.
  12. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the sizzling chicken and vegetable mixture for a bright, citrusy finish.
  13. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
  14. Allow diners to assemble their fajitas by filling tortillas with the flavorful chicken and vegetable mixture.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity, perfect for those who prefer mild or intense heat.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s vibrant flavors.
  • Marinate chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and depth of flavor.
  • Opt for whole wheat tortillas to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone to the fajitas.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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