Easy Chicken Fajitas: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Fajitas are a weeknight dinner champion. They’re quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. These easy chicken fajitas are no exception. This recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Forget complicated marinades and long prep times – we’re using simple ingredients and techniques to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Speedy:** From fridge to table in less than half an hour.
* **Easy:** Minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions make this a breeze for even beginner cooks.
* **Customizable:** Load them up with your favorite toppings – the possibilities are endless!
* **Flavorful:** A vibrant blend of spices delivers authentic fajita taste.
* **Healthy-ish:** Packed with protein and veggies, fajitas can be a relatively healthy meal option.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Everyone loves building their own fajitas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy chicken fajitas:

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. About 1.5 pounds will serve 4-6 people.
* **Bell Peppers:** A mix of colors (red, yellow, orange, and green) adds visual appeal and different flavor notes. Two large bell peppers are ideal.
* **Onion:** A yellow or white onion will provide a sweet and savory base. One medium onion is usually sufficient.
* **Fajita Seasoning:** You can use store-bought fajita seasoning or make your own (recipe below!). About 2-3 tablespoons.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
* **Lime Juice:** Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor. About 1-2 limes.
* **Tortillas:** Flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Warm them up before serving for the best texture.
* **Toppings:** This is where you can get creative! Some popular choices include:
* Salsa
* Guacamole
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
* Pico de Gallo
* Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
* Cilantro
* Hot Sauce

Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own fajita seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:

* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make perfect chicken fajitas every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
2. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner strips cook faster and more evenly.
3. Place the chicken strips in a bowl and toss with 1-2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.

**Step 2: Prep the Vegetables**

1. Wash and deseed the bell peppers. Slice them into thin strips, similar in size to the chicken.
2. Peel and slice the onion into thin strips.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken strips in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned, flipping occasionally.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Cook the Vegetables**

1. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions.
2. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. If the vegetables start to stick to the pan, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
3. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
4. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lime over the mixture and toss everything together. Cook for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

**Step 5: Warm the Tortillas**

1. Warm the tortillas using your preferred method. You can:
* Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds.
* Heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side.
* Wrap them in foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

**Step 6: Assemble and Serve**

1. Place a spoonful of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the center of a warm tortilla.
2. Add your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and jalapeños.
3. Fold the tortilla and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Fajitas

* **Use a hot skillet:** A hot skillet is key to getting a good sear on the chicken and vegetables. This creates flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the chicken and vegetables to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your taste:** If you like your fajitas spicier, add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning or use a spicier chili powder.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always result in the best flavor.
* **Warm the tortillas:** Warm tortillas are more pliable and taste better.
* **Get creative with toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
* **Marinate the Chicken (Optional):** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, fajita seasoning, and minced garlic.
* **Slice Against the Grain:** When slicing the chicken, cut against the grain for more tender strips.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
* **Cleanup is a Breeze:** Use disposable liners when cooking on a cast iron for an easy clean up.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Shrimp Fajitas:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood option. Cook the shrimp for just a few minutes until pink and opaque.
* **Steak Fajitas:** Use sliced steak instead of chicken. Marinate the steak for the best results.
* **Vegetarian Fajitas:** Skip the meat altogether and load up on extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and corn.
* **Spicy Fajitas:** Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the vegetables while cooking for extra heat. Use habanero hot sauce to top it off.
* **Low-Carb Fajitas:** Serve the fajita filling over a bed of lettuce or in a low-carb tortilla.
* **Bell Pepper Alternatives:** Use Anaheim peppers for a slightly more flavorful bell pepper substitute.

Serving Suggestions

These easy chicken fajitas are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with:

* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the fajitas perfectly.
* **Refried Beans:** Another classic Mexican side dish.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites):** A creamy and flavorful corn salad.
* **Chips and Guacamole:** A great appetizer to start the meal.
* **A Simple Salad:** A light and refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the fajitas.

Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken and vegetable mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Warm the tortillas separately.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, without toppings)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Printable Recipe Card

Conclusion

These easy chicken fajitas are a delicious and convenient weeknight meal that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. So, ditch the takeout and make these flavorful fajitas tonight!