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
Chicken Fajitas Video
Chicken Fajitas
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.
Deb says
I am so grateful for Dinner at the Zoo!! I loved cooking until toddlers… I have finally found a way to make food I love and so do the kids. We all devoured this. These fajitas will be a staple!
Kyle says
We have no lime juice, will that effect this?
Sara says
This recipe will not work without citrus, if you don’t have lime you could try lemon.
KathyR says
This is outstanding! Easy to make, healthy, and absolutely delicious! So happy I found this recipe.
Linda T says
Me too…it was sooo good. The family loved it so we will definitely have this often. I chose to broil them…just so yummy!
Judi Adams says
Can this marinade be used with flank steak?
Sara says
Yes that will work!
Leslie says
Wonderful recipe that I make all the time now! Thank yiu
Tammy says
Love this recipe! I’m not like others, I don’t need to suggest any changes like most paople do.
Thank you or sharing this with us!
S says
This marinade is delicious. This has been a weekly rotation at our house for the past year. We always make it with chicken thighs, and it’s perfect every time.
Alyssa Bias says
The flavor is amazing! This recipe has become a weekly meal at our house!
Helen says
Great seasoning mix, maybe have had more chicken than in recipe, and made some homemade guac with it and it was very tasty — will definitely make again. Husband says “awesome”.
Joy says
These fajitas are better than eating out! Great flavor and my husband was so happy!