Chicken Fajitas

Looking for a quick and casual meal that brings all of the flavors of Mexico right into your own kitchen?

Chicken fajitas are the way to go! Toss everything in a pan, let it sizzle, then wrap it up and enjoy.

So, whether you are interested in throwing your own fiesta or simply looking for a quick and easy recipe to make a casual dinner any night of the week, then make sure to bookmark this recipe 🙂

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This is the best chicken fajitas recipe because it’s quick, easy, and highly customizable, making it perfect for any meal.

This dish comes together so easily because it has a simplistic list of ingredients that you likely already have at home. The high and fast cooking method means that you can cook your fajitas in under 10 minutes making this a quick meal that you can serve on busy weeknights.

Not only that, but these homemade chicken fajitas are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor your dish to your personal taste and dietary preferences. Make your chicken fajitas spicy by adding chili powder or paprika to the marinade, swap the bell peppers for your favorite vegetables, or even make vegan fajitas by replacing the chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh.

Ingredients

Chicken:

For healthy chicken fajitas, use skinless chicken breast or thighs. They’re lower in fat and still deliver plenty of flavor when well seasoned. Aside from chicken breast and thigh meat, several other proteins work well in a chicken fajita recipe. Shrimp is a great alternative, cooking quickly and adding a juicy, tender texture, while steak, such as skirt or flank, brings a hearty, beefy flavor. You can also use pork tenderloin for a leaner option or try tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.

Marinade:

This chicken fajita marinade consists of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, olive oil, ginger, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. It makes your homemade chicken fajitas more flavorful and tender. The acidic lime juice and soy sauce help break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a juicier texture.

However, if you want to experiment with the flavors in your marinade, you can add chili powder, jalapenos, or chipotle peppers for a spicy kick. Some smoked paprika will add deep smokey notes to the chicken, while honey or brown sugar can bring a touch of sweetness.

Mixed Vegetables:

The veggies that have been used in this recipe are red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with sliced onions and jalapenos for heat. Additionally, you can customize your easy chicken fajitas by adding your favorite vegetables. Some popular choices are mushrooms, zucchini, squash, asparagus, tomatoes, corn, spinach, and carrots.

Cilantro:

Cilantro can be a very polarizing herb. While it can provide a burst of freshness and flavor for some, others just taste soap. If you happen to be one of the people who taste soap, you can simply garnish your homemade chicken fajitas with chopped green onions, chives, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, or pickled red onion.

How to Make Chicken Fajitas

Step One: 

Mix the strips of chicken in a bowl with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, olive oil, ginger, garlic, salt, cumin, paprika, and pepper. Set aside to marinate.

Step Two: 

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat.

Step Three: 

Cook the chicken in the hot skillet for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step Four:

After you flip, add your vegetables to the skillet. Stir frequently.

Step Five: 

Once the chicken is cooked nicely seared on all sides and the vegetables are easily pierced with a fork, remove the skillet from heat and top with fresh chopped cilantro.

Step Six: 

Serve your homemade chicken fajitas immediately while they are hot, and enjoy!

Tips

• A great chicken fajita marinade is key. Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight for even more flavor.
• When prepping your fajitas, slice the chicken, peppers, and onions into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking and perfect texture in every bite of chicken fajitas with peppers and onions.
• For the added wow factor, add a splash of white wine, chicken broth, or water to the skillet while serving the fajitas. This will create steam, enhance the smells, and add an impressive sizzle to your skillet chicken fajitas.

What to Serve With Chicken Fajitas

You can serve a variety of different sides that will perfectly complement the bold flavors of this dish. Classic options include Mexican rice, black beans, or refried beans, which pair perfectly with the bold seasonings of the chicken fajitas recipe.

Fresh toppings like guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese add a creamy, tangy contrast to the warm tortillas or tostadas.

For a healthier twist, serve these healthy chicken fajitas with pineapple salsa or grilled vegetables.

FAQs

Can I cook chicken fajitas in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the chicken and vegetables at 400F for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through. This is a hands-off method for easy chicken fajitas.

What's the best way to store leftover chicken fajitas?

Store any leftover homemade chicken fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, freeze leftover chicken fajitas in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick meal.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken fajitas?

For the best texture, reheat skillet chicken fajitas in a hot pan or oven. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken and vegetables soggy.

Can I use the Instant Pot?

Yes. For step-by-step instructions check out this Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas recipe.

Mexican Recipes

Looking to add more of the bold, fresh flavors of Mexico to your culinary roster? Create a tasty fiesta right in your own home with this collection of Mexican recipes, just like these delicious chicken fajitas. 

Shrimp Tacos

Chicken Tamales

Carne Asada Burrito

Chicken Burrito Bowl