Easy Chicken Fajitas: A Beginner-Friendly Weeknight Favorite
These Easy Chicken Fajitas are the perfect beginner-friendly meal—tender, seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and onions cooked to perfection in one pan. Quick, delicious, and loaded with Tex-Mex goodness! 🌶️🔥🌮
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 fajitas 1x
Ingredients
For the Fajita Filling
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for frying
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 3 medium bell peppers, cored and sliced
- 1 large onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
To Serve
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- Toppings of choice (such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lime juice, and fajita seasoning. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. If you have extra time, marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour will enhance the flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each piece should be cooked for about 2-3 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onions
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Place the sliced onions in the pan and cook over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions soften and develop a golden brown color. This usually takes around 4-5 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside with the cooked chicken.
4. Cook the Bell Peppers
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and toss in the sliced bell peppers. Cook them over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. If you prefer your peppers slightly crunchy, cook them for about 3-4 minutes. If you want them softer, cook for up to 6 minutes.
5. Combine Everything
Once the bell peppers are cooked to your liking, return the chicken and onions to the skillet. Toss everything together for about 30-60 seconds over medium-high heat to ensure the flavors combine and the ingredients are heated through.
6. Warm the Tortillas
For the best texture, warm the flour tortillas before serving. You can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20 seconds.
7. Assemble and Serve
Serve the fajita filling immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings. Popular choices include salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, but you can also add shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of extra lime juice.
Notes
1. How to Tell if the Chicken is Cooked
If you are new to cooking chicken, the best way to ensure it is fully cooked is by checking the color and texture. Cooked chicken should be white throughout with no pink in the center. You can also use a meat thermometer—chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
Cooking the chicken in batches is important to get a nice sear on the meat. Overcrowding the pan causes the chicken to steam instead of brown, which can make it less flavorful.
3. Preparing Ingredients in Advance
To make the cooking process faster, slice the vegetables and marinate the chicken ahead of time. You can store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
4. Adjusting the Seasoning
Taste the fajita filling before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. If you want more tanginess, squeeze in extra lime juice before serving.
5. What to Do if the Chicken Browns Too Quickly
If the chicken starts browning too fast before cooking through, lower the heat slightly. You can also add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to help it cook without burning.