Chicken Fajitas are a spicy, tender and flavor-packed Mexican dish typically made with boneless chicken breast or thighs, fajita seasoning, lemon juice, bell peppers, and onions. These Chicken Fajitas are among the best chicken dishes, perfect for serving during lunch or dinner. They create a well-rounded meal when paired with guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice, tortillas, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
The recipe provided below offers easy step-by-step instructions for making delicious Chicken Fajitas. Additionally, a detailed video accompanies the recipe to provide a visually clear demonstration of the cooking process.
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What is Fajitas?
Fajitas are a Mexican-inspired dish that originated in the border regions of Texas and Mexico. The term "Fajita" originally referred to a cut of beef, specifically skirt steak, which was popularly used in Tex-Mex cuisine. Over time, the dish evolved to include other meats like chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.
What is Chicken Fajitas?
Chicken Fajitas are a delightful Tex-Mex dish bursting with flavors and vibrant colors. This dish features tender strips of chicken that are marinated in a flavorful Fajita marinade, fried, and sautéed with a colorful mix of bell peppers and onions. It is usually served with warm flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
The key to the best taste lies in the fajita seasoning, which infuses the chicken with its delightful taste, turning a simple poultry cut into a mouthwatering delight. Whether you choose to cook the chicken on a stovetop or grill it outdoors, the cooking process is quick. This allows you to have dinner on the table in no time.
In addition to being one of the most delightful chicken breast dishes to make at home, it proves to be an ideal dinner choice for both bustling weekdays and laid-back weekends. With minimal effort, you can whip up a scrumptious and satisfying meal that will please the whole family. Assembling the Fajitas is an enjoyable part of the experience, as each family member can customize their wraps with their preferred toppings, turning dinner into a fun and interactive meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients required for making Chicken Fajitas are a selection of basic spices and fresh produce, readily available at most grocery stores. Let's take a look at the list below:
For Chicken Fajitas
Below are the ingredients to make Chicken Fajitas.
- Boneless Chicken Breast: It provides a neutral canvas for absorbing the flavors of the marinade and spices, resulting in a succulent and juicy bite
- Bell Peppers: With their vibrant colors, bell peppers bring a satisfying crunch and a subtly sweet and tangy flavor. It also adds freshness and texture to the fajitas
- Red Onions: Adding a mild and slightly sweet flavor, red onions offer a gentle sharpness that complements the other ingredients. It contributes to the overall balance of the dish
- Black Pepper and Salt: The combination of black pepper and salt provides a balanced seasoning. The black pepper offers a warm, earthy spiciness and salt enhances the savory notes, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients
- Coriander Leaves (Cilantro): Known for their distinct aroma, coriander leaves add a burst of freshness and a citrusy, herbaceous note to the fajitas
To Make Chicken Fajita Marinade
Below are the ingredients to make Fajita marinade.
- Fajita Seasoning: This flavorful blend of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and more, lends a robust, savory taste with a hint of heat. It infuses the chicken and vegetables with a rich and aromatic character
- Lemon or Lime Juice: The citrusy and tangy juice acts as a natural tenderizer, helping to break down the proteins in the chicken while brightening the overall flavors of the dish
- Olive Oil: With its smooth and velvety texture, olive oil not only helps to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly but also adds a subtle richness that enhances the mouthfeel and contributes to the overall satisfaction of the fajitas
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Fajitas at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Chicken Fajitas, a savory and delicious dish bursting with flavors. Juicy pan-fried chicken breast, sautéed bell peppers, and red onions deliver a mouthwatering Mexican favorite.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
Prep Marinade
- Add the spices: In a bowl, add the fajita seasoning blend, which includes chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, and dried oregano. Mix everything thoroughly. Add the lemon juice and oil, and incorporate them well
- Prep marinade: Add the lemon juice and oil to the bowl, and incorporate them well into the seasoning blend
Marinate Chicken Breast
- Coat the chicken: Place the thinly sliced chicken breast into the fajita marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated
- Rest: Cover the bowl with a lid and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using whole chicken breasts, it is recommended to flatten them by pounding and then thinly slicing them in half before marinating
Pan-fry the Chicken Breast
- Preheat Oil: Heat a pan over medium heat and add enough oil to pan-fry the chicken breast
- Fry the chicken breast: Once the pan is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken breast to the pan. Fry the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 ℉ (74 ℃)
- Remove and slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken breast from the pan, slice it, and set it aside for later use
Prep Chicken Fajitas
- Saute the veggies: In the same pan, using the remaining oil, add the sliced red onion, green, yellow, and red bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables until they become crispy yet tender
- Season the veggies: Season the vegetables with salt and black pepper, giving them a gentle mix to evenly distribute the seasoning
- Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast and chopped coriander leaves to the pan, and give everything a thorough mix, ensuring all the flavors are well combined
- Serve: The flavor-bursting Chicken Fajitas are now ready for you to savor. Serve the Chicken Fajitas, topping them with slices of avocado and lime
Tips
- Choose the right chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for fajitas. They are tender and cook quickly
- Marinate for flavor: Marinate the chicken in a flavorful marinade to infuse it with delicious tastes. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop. You can even marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense flavor
- Thinly slice the chicken: Thinly slicing the chicken ensures that it cooks evenly and quickly. If you have whole chicken breasts, you can pound them to an even thickness before slicing
- Use a hot skillet or grill: To achieve that perfect sear and caramelization, use a hot skillet or grill. Preheat the cooking surface before adding the chicken to get a nice browned exterior
- Cook to the right temperature: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 ℉ (74 ℃) to ensure it's safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the temperature
- Sauté veggies to desired texture: When cooking the sliced onions and bell peppers, sauté them until they are tender-crisp. You want them to have a bit of crunch while still being cooked through
- Season vegetables separately: Season the vegetables with salt and pepper separately from the chicken. This allows you to control the seasoning levels and ensure each component is properly seasoned
- Rest before serving: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat
- Serve with fresh toppings: Top your chicken fajitas with fresh ingredients like sliced avocado, lime juice, chopped cilantro, or salsa for added freshness and flavor
Storage Suggestions
Chicken Fajitas can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in a closed airtight container. Make sure the cooked chicken cools down before storing it to avoid moisture.
After 4 days, the quality may decline, so it's best to eat them earlier. When reheating chicken fajitas, it's essential to ensure they are heated thoroughly to ensure food safety.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Chicken Fajitas, you can create a delicious and well-balanced meal by offering a variety of accompaniments. Here are some popular options to serve alongside.
- Tortillas: Serve warm tortillas, either flour or corn, for wrapping the chicken fajita fillings
- Guacamole: A creamy and flavorful avocado dip that complements the spiciness of the fajitas
- Salsa: Offer different types of salsa, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, or smoky salsa, for added flavor and freshness
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: These creamy toppings can help cool down the heat of the fajitas and add a tangy element
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese can be sprinkled on top for extra richness
- Mexican rice: Serve fluffy, seasoned rice for a delicious and traditional side.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables: You can grill or roast bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables alongside the chicken for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
- Lime wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the fajitas to add brightness and tang
- Mexican Drinks: Pair your Chicken Fajitas with refreshing Mexican drinks like Agua de Jamaica, a tangy hibiscus tea, or traditional Horchata, a creamy rice and cinnamon-based beverage. These beverages perfectly complement the flavors of the fajitas, adding a delightful touch to your Mexican culinary experience.
Related Recipes
You could find similar recipes below and more at Mexican recipes.
More chicken breast recipes:
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Chicken Fajitas Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Chicken Fajitas recipe below that I hope will help you make a flavorful meal at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
For Chicken Fajitas
- 4 piece Chicken Breast, boneless, thinly sliced
- 2 Red Onion, medium size, sliced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, sliced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp Oil, for pan-frying chicken and sauteing veggies
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
- Coriander Leaves, a handful, chopped
For Fajita Marinade
- 1½ tsp Chili Powder, use the heat variety based on your preference
- ¾ tsp Cumin Powder
- ¾ tsp Onion Powder
- ¾ tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt , to taste
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
For Serving
- Tortilla
- Sour Cream
- Lime Wedges
- Avocado Slices
Instructions
Marinate the chicken breast:
- In a bowl, add the fajita seasoning blend, which includes chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, and dried oregano. Mix everything thoroughly. Add the lemon juice and oil, and incorporate them well
- Next, add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the fajita marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with a lid and allow the chicken to rest for at least 30 minutes(if yo u are not on a time crunch), allowing the flavors to meld. Note: If you're using whole chicken breasts instead of thinly sliced ones, I recommend pounding the chicken breasts to flatten them and then thinly slicing them in half
Pan-fry the chicken breast:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add enough oil to pan-fry the chicken breast. Add the marinated chicken breast and fry for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 ℉
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breast from the pan, slice it, and set it aside for later use
Make Chicken Fajitas:
- Using the same pan with the remaining oil, add the sliced red onion, green, yellow, and red bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables until they turn crispy yet tender
- Season the veggies with salt and black pepper, giving them a gentle mix
- Now, add the sliced chicken breast and chopped coriander leaves to the pan, giving everything a nice mix. The flavor-bursting Chicken Fajitas are now ready for you to savor
To Serve:
- Serve these Chicken Fajitas topped with avocado slices and lime slices. They pair great with tortillas, as a filling in tacos, alongside Mexican rice, or any other Mexican dish of your choice
Video
Notes
- Choose the right chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for fajitas. They are tender and cook quickly
- Marinate for flavor: Marinate the chicken in a flavorful marinade to infuse it with delicious tastes. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop. You can even marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense flavor
- Thinly slice the chicken: Thinly slicing the chicken ensures that it cooks evenly and quickly. If you have whole chicken breasts, you can pound them to an even thickness before slicing
- Use a hot skillet or grill: To achieve that perfect sear and caramelization, use a hot skillet or grill. Preheat the cooking surface before adding the chicken to get a nice browned exterior
- Cook to the right temperature: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 ℉ (74 ℃) to ensure it's safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the temperature
- Sauté veggies to desired texture: When cooking the sliced onions and bell peppers, sauté them until they are tender-crisp. You want them to have a bit of crunch while still being cooked through
- Season vegetables separately: Season the vegetables with salt and pepper separately from the chicken. This allows you to control the seasoning levels and ensure each component is properly seasoned
- Rest before serving: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat
- Serve with fresh toppings: Top your chicken fajitas with fresh ingredients like sliced avocado, lime juice, chopped cilantro, or salsa for added freshness and flavor
Nutrition
FAQ
Yes, you can use boneless thighs for making fajitas! In fact, boneless chicken thighs are a great option for making fajitas as they are flavorful, tender, and moist.
Taco seasoning is the best substitute for fajita seasoning, as it contains similar flavors like chili, cumin, garlic, and onion powder. This provides a delicious seasoning for your chicken fajitas.
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken for fajitas is a fantastic option that can add a delightful smoky flavor to your dish. Grilled chicken fajitas are popular and loved for their charred and slightly caramelized taste.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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