Chicken Fajitas Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that comes together in no time, look no further than this Chicken Fajitas Recipe. With tender chicken breasts marinated in a blend of spices, colorful bell peppers, and zesty lime juice, these fajitas are a fiesta on a plate! Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Fajitas Recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that pairs beautifully with fresh veggies. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, these fajitas are a canvas for your culinary creativity!
What You’ll Need
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 large bell peppers, sliced (any colors you prefer)
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 12 small flour tortillas for serving
- Sour cream for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Guacamole for topping
- Black beans for a side
- Salsa for serving
What’s in the Gear List
- Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Cutting board: For safely slicing your vegetables and chicken.
- Sharp knife: Essential for clean cuts and quick prep.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure you use the right amount of spices.
- Mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken with spices and lime juice.
Cook Chicken Fajitas Recipe Like This

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the chicken breasts and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the lime juice. Toss to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. For maximum flavor, consider marinating for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, slice your bell peppers and red onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Feel free to add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together to combine. Warm the flour tortillas either in the microwave or on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until pliable.
Step 6: Assemble Your Fajitas
To serve, layer the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla. Top with sour cream, guacamole, black beans, and salsa as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Year-Round Variations

- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a delicious plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Grilled Fajitas: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken and vegetables instead of sautéing them.
- Sheet Pan Fajitas: Spread the marinated chicken and sliced vegetables on a sheet pan and roast in the oven for an easy, hands-off approach.
Pro Perspective
This Chicken Fajitas Recipe is all about balance—between the spices, the fresh vegetables, and the creamy toppings. Don’t skip the marinating step; it infuses the chicken with deep flavor that makes all the difference. Feel free to experiment with the spice ratios to suit your taste, and remember that the key to a great fajita is in the quality of your ingredients. Fresh, vibrant vegetables and good-quality chicken will elevate your dish to another level!
Shelf Life & Storage
Leftover chicken fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook the chicken as it can become dry.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat.
What toppings do you recommend for chicken fajitas?
Some popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. You can customize to your liking!
Can I freeze the fajitas for later?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken fajitas. Just ensure they are completely cooled before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What side dishes pair well with chicken fajitas?
Consider serving them with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Corn on the cob or tortilla chips with salsa are great appetizers!
Reader Favorites
Bring It to the Table
Gather your loved ones around the table and let everyone build their own perfect fajita. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal together, and everyone can customize their dish just how they like it. With the vibrant colors of the peppers, the juicy chicken, and the array of toppings, this Chicken Fajitas Recipe is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoy the flavors, the laughter, and the memories made around the table!

Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 large bell peppers sliced (any colors you prefer)
- 1 medium red onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 12 small flour tortillas for serving
- Sour cream for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Guacamole for topping
- Black beans for a side
- Salsa for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the chicken breasts and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the lime juice. Toss to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. For maximum flavor, consider marinating for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- While the chicken is marinating, slice your bell peppers and red onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Feel free to add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together to combine. Warm the flour tortillas either in the microwave or on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until pliable.
- To serve, layer the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla. Top with sour cream, guacamole, black beans, and salsa as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for deeper flavor.
- Customize toppings with your favorites like shredded cheese or fresh cilantro.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Try swapping chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- For a smoky twist, grill the chicken and vegetables instead of sautéing.

