These chicken fajitas are fast, fresh, and packed with flavor. With minimal prep and simple pantry spices, you can create a restaurant-style meal at home without much effort.
They’re also highly customizable. Everyone can build their own fajitas with their favorite toppings, making this a fun and family-friendly dinner option.
Best of all, everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken breasts bell peppers, sliced onion, sliced olive oil lime juice chili powder ground cumin paprika garlic powder onion powder salt black pepper flour or corn tortillas
In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 10–15 minutes if time allows.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion until tender-crisp and slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini for additional vegetables.
For a spicy kick, include sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the seasoning.
Swap the chicken for shrimp or thinly sliced steak for a different protein option.
Make it low-carb by serving the fajita mixture over lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep tortillas and toppings stored separately.
To reheat, warm the chicken and vegetable mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
For best results, avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I make chicken fajitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and slice the chicken evenly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Can I bake the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, you can bake the seasoned chicken strips at 400°F until fully cooked, then sauté the vegetables separately.
What type of tortillas work best?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well. Choose based on your preference.
Can I freeze leftover fajita filling?
Yes, the cooked chicken and vegetables can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I get that restaurant-style char?
Cook over medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan so the ingredients sear instead of steam.
Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?
Yes, a pre-made fajita seasoning blend works as a convenient alternative.
What sides go well with chicken fajitas?
Rice, beans, chips and salsa, or a simple green salad pair nicely with fajitas.
Are chicken fajitas spicy?
They are mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder or fresh peppers.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.
Conclusion
Simple Chicken Fajitas are a flavorful, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily. With tender seasoned chicken, vibrant vegetables, and endless topping options, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners and casual entertaining alike.
Simple Chicken Fajitas are a quick and flavorful Tex-Mex classic made with tender seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and onions served in warm tortillas. This easy chicken fajitas recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners. With bold spices, fresh lime juice, and customizable toppings, these homemade chicken fajitas deliver restaurant-style flavor right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
3 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Guacamole
Shredded cheese
Fresh cilantro
Salsa
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips.
In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes if time allows.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a small drizzle of oil if needed. Cook the sliced bell peppers and onion for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly charred.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel until warm.
Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Slice chicken evenly to ensure quick and even cooking.Avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a good sear and restaurant-style char.Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.Store tortillas and toppings separately from the filling for best texture.
