Best Chicken Fajitas Recipe

These chicken fajitas contain zesty marinated chicken, peppers and onions, all cooked until caramelized and golden brown. An easy dinner option that tastes as good as what you’d get at a restaurant!

I make Mexican food at least once a week, my family always requests carnitas tacos, barbacoa beef, and these simple but totally flavorful chicken fajitas.

Whenever I go to my local Mexican restaurant, I order the chicken fajitas. I just can’t resist that tender chicken and veggies with all the fun toppings! My homemade version tastes totally authentic, and is great for feeding a crowd.

How do you make chicken fajitas?

This recipe starts with chicken breasts, which are sliced then soaked in a flavorful marinade. The marinade is a combination of lime juice, olive oil and plenty of spices. An assortment of peppers and onions are also coated in the same marinade. Place your marinated chicken and vegetables in a hot pan, then cook until chicken is done and vegetables are tender. Add a sprinkle of cilantro, then serve and enjoy.

Tips for the best fajitas

• I like to use sliced chicken in this recipe, but you can also marinate whole chicken breasts. Cook the whole chicken breasts, then slice them and layer over the cooked peppers.
• I like to use an assortment of bell peppers, it makes for a more festive presentation. You can use all of one color pepper if you prefer, or even try other varieties of pepper such as fresh Anaheim chiles.
• You can saute, broil or grill your fajitas. The various cooking times and methods are outlined in the recipe below.

What do you serve with chicken fajitas?

When I make this dish I serve it with tortillas, pinto beans and rice, and a variety of toppings. You can use flour or corn tortillas, whichever you prefer. Watching your carbs? Skip the rice and tortillas and serve your chicken and vegetables over cauliflower rice. Some of my favorite toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce and olives. I typically put out bowls of all the different toppings and let everyone serve themselves to make their own creations.

Chicken fajita variations

• Protein: Try using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, or use a different type of protein such as flank steak, pork tenderloin, shrimp or fish.
• Vegetables: Add more veggies to the mix such as mushrooms, zucchini, poblano peppers, tomatoes or corn.
• Flavorings: You can add more flavors to the marinade such as hot sauce, dried oregano, minced canned chipotle peppers or fresh cilantro.

These fajitas are a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s the best way to get your favorite restaurant flavors without leaving the house!

More Mexican food favorites

• Salsa Chicken
• Black Beans and Rice
• Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
• Taco Soup
• Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Chicken Fajitas Video

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5 from 19 votes

Chicken Fajitas

These chicken fajitas contain zesty marinated chicken, peppers and onions, all cooked until caramelized and golden brown. An easy dinner option that tastes as good as what you'd get at a restaurant!

Course Main

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword chicken fajitas, fajitas recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Marinating Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 226kcal

Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

For the fajitas

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers thinly sliced, can use red, orange, yellow or a combination of colors
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa etc for serving

Instructions

For the chicken

• Place the 1/4 cup olive oil, lime juice, sugar, salt, cumin, garlic, water, smoked paprika, onion powder and chili powder in a gallon sized resealable bag or large bowl.
• Whisk until thoroughly combined.
• Add the chicken, onions and peppers to the marinade. Chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.

For the fajitas

• Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the chicken and pepper mixture. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
• Season with salt to taste if desired.
• Sprinkle cilantro over the fajitas, then serve with tortillas and toppings of your choice.

Notes

Grilled Fajitas: Preheat a grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Use a grilling basket if you're using an outdoor grill. Cook the chicken and vegetables for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Broiled Fajitas: Place the chicken, peppers and onions on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray. Broil for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 605mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2700IU | Vitamin C: 81.7mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2.6mg