Chicken Fajitas Recipe

If your taste buds have been begging for a little excitement lately, this Chicken Fajitas Recipe is about to bring the sizzle—literally. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, trying to get dinner on the table fast, or simply craving something bold and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes. We’re talking juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, crisp-tender veggies, melty cheese (yes, optional, but let’s be real), and all your favorite toppings wrapped in a warm tortilla. Hungry yet?

Let me show you how this easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe became my go-to crowd-pleaser—and how it’ll soon be yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Let’s be honest: weeknights are rough. Between work emails, soccer practice, and trying to remember if you already fed the dog, making dinner can feel like an Olympic event. That’s why this recipe is such a lifesaver.

Here’s why it’s earned a permanent spot in my rotation:

  • Quick marinade that packs a punch—15 minutes is all you need (but hey, overnight works too).
  • One pan for juicy chicken and veggies? Yes please.
  • Totally customizable with toppings the whole family will fight over (peacefully, of course).
  • It’s fun, flavorful, and makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. Even if there’s laundry mountain lurking in the hallway.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You probably have most of these in your pantry already (thank you, cumin). Here’s your fajita game plan:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1½ lbs chicken thighs (or chicken breast if that’s your thing)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • 2 tbsp cumin
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (spice it up if you dare)
  • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

For Cooking:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 small bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (for veggies)

Extras (Optional but fabulous):

  • 12 small flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream, guacamole, chipotle mayo, lime wedges, extra cilantro for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking

Step 1: Marinate That Chicken

Slice your chicken thighs into long 1-inch strips (cut against the grain—trust me, it matters). Toss them in a bowl with lime juice, soy sauce, spices, garlic, and chopped cilantro. Give it all a good stir, let it soak up those flavors for at least 15 minutes (or stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours if you’re a planner).

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While the chicken’s getting cozy, slice up your peppers and onion. I like my bell peppers in bite-sized strips (because who wants to fight a veggie mid-bite?). Set those beauties aside.

Step 3: Sear Like a Pro

Heat your cast iron skillet on medium-high for a couple of minutes—hotter than your morning coffee, please. Add oil, then lay in those chicken strips with tongs, letting any excess marinade drip off. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this chicken needs room to sizzle.

After about 2 minutes, add butter and flip each strip (bonus points if you can do it without splashing your shirt). Cook another 1–2 minutes until the chicken is perfectly seared and no longer pink. Set aside and tent with foil (or hide it in the microwave—no judgment).

Step 4: Time for the Veggie Show

Add more oil to the same pan. Toss in all those peppers and onions, sprinkle with salt, and pour in the leftover marinade. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes or until they’re as tender (or crisp) as you like. Some folks prefer them with a little snap; I like mine to lean into their soft side. Follow your heart.

Step 5: Finish Strong

Slice any big pieces of chicken into bite-size chunks. Return all that juicy chicken (and its resting juices) to the pan with the veggies. Stir it up and marvel at your creation.

Step 6: Warm & Serve

Warm each tortilla in a dry skillet, sprinkle with cheese if you’re feeling fancy, and melt that goodness. Load them up with chicken, veggies, and any toppings your soul desires: sour cream, guac, chipotle mayo, a squeeze of lime, maybe even a little Cilantro Lime Rice on the side.

Now, fold it, bite it, and try not to burn your mouth in your excitement.

Aneta’s Chicken Fajitas Recipe Tip Jar

  • Liquid smoke = magic. If you’ve never tried it, prepare to be obsessed.
  • No cilantro? Sub parsley or skip it. I won’t tell.
  • Wimpy on spice? Reduce the cayenne or chili powder a smidge.
  • Kids being picky? Let them build their own fajitas. The illusion of choice works wonders.

Funny story—my husband once declared this the “best fajita night ever” and then asked which restaurant it came from. The look on his face when I told him it was homemade? Priceless.

FAQs About This Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Just be careful not to overcook it—breast meat dries out faster than you can say “extra guac.”

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet for best results.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken and veggies?

Yep! Freeze separately from the tortillas, and you’ve got a DIY fajita kit ready to go.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite Chicken Fajitas Recipe that turns a regular night into a fiesta. It’s bold, easy, and full of personality (just like you). The next time you need a dinner that earns applause at the table, this one’s your MVP.

Now go forth, fajita queen—your skillet awaits.

Explore More Bold & Flavorful Chicken Dishes

If this Chicken Fajitas Recipe lit a fire in your skillet-loving heart, you’re going to love what else is cooking on Chicken Magic Recipes! These handpicked, flavor-packed recipes make perfect companions to your next Tex-Mex night or weeknight dinner plan. Here are a few irresistible dishes you can check out next:

  1. Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken – Looking for a hands-off dinner with bold flavor? This one is a game-changer for taco nights and burrito bowls.
  2. Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos – Sweet, smoky, and buttery, these tacos bring serious competition to fajita night.
  3. Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas – If you loved this fajita filling, wait till you try it melted with cheese inside a crispy quesadilla.
  4. Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet – One pan, big flavor, and no complaints from the table. This one’s perfect for when you’re craving a Tex-Mex twist with less cleanup.

Add these to your dinner rotation, and your weeknight meals will never feel boring again. Whether you’re team taco, skillet, or slow cooker, Chicken Magic’s got something just right for you!

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: Colorful Chicken Fajitas Recipe with grilled peppers and fresh cilantro

Chicken Fajitas Recipe


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Chicken Fajitas Recipe is your go-to for a quick, bold, and family-friendly dinner. Juicy marinated chicken strips are seared to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions, all wrapped in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. A one-pan Tex-Mex classic that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts!


Ingredients

Scale
  • lbs chicken thighs (or chicken breast)

  • 2 tbsp lime juice (from 1 lime)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp liquid smoke

  • 2 tbsp cumin

  • 2 tsp kosher salt

  • 2 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 3 small bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), sliced

  • 1 medium onion, sliced

  • 1 tsp kosher salt (for veggies)

  • 12 6-inch flour tortillas

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

  • Garnishes: Sour cream, chipotle mayo, guacamole, lime wedges, cilantro


Instructions

  1. Slice chicken into 1-inch strips against the grain.

  2. In a medium bowl, mix chicken with lime juice, soy sauce, liquid smoke, spices, garlic, and cilantro. Let marinate for 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours).

  3. Slice peppers and onion; set aside.

  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, then sear chicken in batches for 2 minutes per side, adding butter when flipping. Remove and keep warm.

  5. In the same skillet, add oil and cook peppers and onions with salt and leftover marinade. Sauté 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

  6. Add cooked chicken back to skillet and stir to combine.

  7. Warm tortillas in a skillet with cheese (if using) until melty.

  8. Fill tortillas with chicken, veggies, and your favorite toppings. Serve hot!

Notes

  • Chicken breasts can be used, but don’t overcook.

  • Make it spicier with more cayenne.

  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Great with rice, beans, or served over salad for a low-carb option.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 fajitas
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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