Chicken Fajitas Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and colors that makes meal prep exciting, and it’s so easy to whip up for a cozy night in or impressing friends. Plus, the customizable toppings let everyone personalize their fajitas, adding a fun, interactive element to the meal!

I love making meals that explode with flavor, and this recipe for chicken fajitas is one of my all-time favorites. It uses juicy strips of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, and some spices to flavor the oil—and it is so good.

And it packs a nice nutritional punch, too. I have made it ahead and eaten it for lunch, and I have eaten it for dinner right after cooking it.

I could eat these chicken fajitas any day of the week, in any form. They are just so good.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts:
Rich with protein, assisting with the building and repairing of muscle.

Bell Peppers:
Loaded with two vital vitamins, A and C, the burst of brightness and flavor they provide is undeniable.

Onion:
Delivers fiber and antioxidants, elevating the dish’s savory richness.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for heart health enhance flavor and help in the absorption of nutrients.

Chili Powder:
Imparts a rich, deep flavor profile to the fajitas and mild heat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, lime wedges

Instructions

1. In a vast mixing basin, bring together the chicken cut into strips and spices that include chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, to which have been added the spices that give them heat—garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper—as well as the salt and the black pepper that together form what is known in some parts of the world as “seasoned chicken.”

2. In a large skillet, medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the chicken, cooking it for 5 to 7 minutes and stirring it occasionally. It should be golden brown and cooked through when you remove it from the skillet, and you can set it aside to cool a bit when you transfer it to a plate.

3. The remaining tablespoon of olive oil goes in the same skillet. In it, you will add the sliced onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Put the cooked chicken back in the skillet with the vegetables. Combine everything and cook for 2-3 more minutes to let the flavors meld together.

5. Heat the flour tortillas by either wrapping them in foil and placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or heating them individually on a skillet for about 30 seconds per side.

6. Warm the tortillas and serve the chicken and vegetable mixture on top.

7. Provide optional toppings such as lime wedges, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese on the side for guests to personalize their fajitas.

8. While hot, savor the chicken fajitas by rolling them in the tortillas.

9. Adjust the seasonings to taste, if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.

10. If you wish, serve a complete meal of beans and rice with your fajitas.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Large skillet
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Cutting board
6. Sharp knife
7. Plate (for setting aside chicken)
8. Aluminum foil (optional, for heating tortillas)
9. Oven (if using foil to heat tortillas)
10. Stove
11. Serving dishes (for optional toppings)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use other types of bell peppers for this recipe?Certainly! You can employ any assemblage of bell peppers you fancy. The ensemble of red, green, and yellow peppers serves up a delightful medley of flavors and hues.
• Q: How can I make these fajitas spicier?A: To intensify the heat, you may add additional cayenne pepper or fold in some sliced jalapeños with the vegetables.
• Q: Can I prepare the chicken fajitas ahead of time?Yes, you can pre-slice the chicken, peppers, and onions. Prepare the spices, and store everything in separate containers until you’re ready to cook.
• Q: What is a good substitute for chicken in this recipe?A: Beef, shrimp, or even tofu can take the place of chicken. Adjust cooking times to ensure your substitute is cooked all the way through.
• Q: Are corn tortillas a good alternative to flour tortillas?You can use corn tortillas if you like their flavor better or if you need a gluten-free option.
• Q: How should I store leftover fajitas?A: Keep the already prepared chicken and vegetables in a tightly sealed container inside your fridge for no longer than 3 days. To serve, heat them up on the stove.
• Q: Can I grill the chicken and vegetables instead of cooking them in a pan?Yes, adding a smoky flavor to your fajitas can come from an alternative source. Grilling is it for this recipe. Find your grill, heat it up, and get the chicken and vegetables on there until they are beautifully charred, yet cooked all the way through.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Replace with turkey breast slices or firm tofu for a vegetarian dish.
Canola oil or avocado oil is a healthier alternative to olive oil.
Red bell pepper: Substitute with orange bell pepper or poblano pepper for a different flavor profile.
Paprika that has been smoked: Use regular paprika and a single drop of liquid smoke to achieve a similar flavor.
Tortillas made from flour: For gluten-free options, use corn tortillas.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Enhancement For even more flavor, marinate the chicken strips in the spice mixture with a tablespoon of lime juice for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a zesty hint.

2. Char the Vegetables To add a smoky depth of flavor, let the sliced bell peppers and onion get slightly charred by not stirring them too frequently while cooking. This will enhance the fajitas with a delicious grilled taste.

3. Tortilla Upgrade For softer and more flavorful tortillas, lightly brush each tortilla with a bit of olive oil or melted butter before warming them. This will help keep them pliable and add a subtle richness.

4. Presentation Tips Slice the cooked chicken at an angle before serving for a more professional presentation. This also allows the chicken to absorb more of the juices and flavors from the vegetables when mixed back in the skillet.

5. Herbs and Freshness Add freshly chopped cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor. You can also sprinkle a little lime zest over the dish for an extra layer of brightness.