Chicken fajitas are a classic Mexican recipe and a personal favorite for an easy, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and seared, then tossed with vibrant vegetables, and finished with a punch of fresh lime juice. And while this is the perfect meal wrapped with tortillas and toppings, I’ve got a few more tasty serving ideas below!
Why Everyone Raves About These Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are hands-down the item I order most frequently at Mexican restaurants (besides guacamole, of course). There’s just something about the sizzling skillet being brought to the table that gets my taste buds excited! And the good news is that it’s incredibly easy to recreate this fabulous dinner at home. It’s also a fun crowd-pleaser for Taco Tuesday or when I’m hosting a dinner party. But here are a few other things to love about this recipe:
- The homemade fajita seasoning is unmatched. The simple blend of bold spices really elevates the flavor of the dish. I often make a double batch of the fajita seasoning to keep on hand.
- It’s made in less than 30 minutes. From start to finish, it takes very little time to create juicy chicken, tender veggies, and an all-around satisfying meal. That’s why it’s a favorite for easy weeknight dinners.
- It’s great for meal prep. You can store any leftover fajitas in the fridge to enjoy for several days or top the sliced chicken and veggies on salad greens for a lighter lunch.
- You can switch up the proteins. While chicken fajitas are my go-to, I often switch up this recipe and make shrimp fajitas or steak fajitas. Essentially, I’ll happily eat all the different types of fajitas.
Chicken Fajita Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: I’m using boneless skinless chicken breasts. But you could also use chicken thighs for an even juicier option.
- Vegetables: Sliced onion and bell peppers make for a bright and tasty fajita dish. I like to use red, yellow, and green bell peppers for lots of color, but you can choose any color of bell peppers.
- Lime: Grab a fresh lime to squeeze on top at the end. The punch of acidity really makes the dish.
- Fajita seasoning: Skip the pre-made seasoning packets because nothing compares to the flavor of homemade seasonings. Plus, you’ll avoid any unnecessary fillers and additives. You just need a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Taco additions: A few essentials I love to prepare are my cassava flour tortillas, sour cream, pico de Gallo, and sliced avocados. But I’ll talk through more serving ideas below.
Is it better to use a fajita seasoning or marinade? Both are great options! I have a chicken fajita marinade (from my list of chicken marinades) that can be used for this recipe with delicious results. But the dry rub fajita seasoning flavors the chicken perfectly for an equally delicious and super quick meal.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make Chicken Fajitas
Season the chicken. Generously sprinkle the fajita seasoning on both sides of the chicken and use your fingers to press it in.
Sear the chicken. Lightly coat your skillet with oil and sear the chicken breasts on each side for 7 to 8 minutes. Then remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into strips.
Saute the bell peppers and onion. While the chicken is cooking, slice the bell peppers and onions. Then saute them in the same skillet for a few minutes until caramelized. You’re essentially making fajita veggies!
Mix everything and serve. Slice the chicken into thin strips and add them back into the skillet. You can also slice those strips in half again if they’re too thick. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top, and stir everything together before serving.
Ways To Serve Chicken Fajitas
- Make chicken fajita tacos or wraps: This is my favorite way to serve them! Grab a fresh batch of tortillas and prep a few toppings such as sliced avocados or guacamole, red salsa or pico de gallo, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
- Go light with lettuce wraps. Instead of using tortillas, use butter lettuce to make a lettuce wrap! Then add your favorite taco toppings.
- Make a fajita rice bowl: Make my cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice for a super delicious rice bowl. Then add black beans, sweet corn, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of lime crema or chipotle sauce on top for a flavorful touch.
Common Questions
When it comes to cooking the chicken, a cast iron skillet is ideal for searing. It gives a nice char and maximizes the flavors from the seasoning. Just make sure to season your cast iron properly to prevent sticking. But if you don’t own a cast iron pan, a stainless steel pan will work.
Fajitas are typically cooked in a skillet, but you are more than welcome to grill the chicken! You’ll get a nice smoky flavor, enhancing all those delicious Mexican spices.
Definitely! This is another great way to ensure the seasoning coats all sides of the chicken before it’s thrown onto the skillet. But again, it’s not necessary.
Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator the night before, then quickly reheat it in the microwave.
More Easy Mexican Recipes
- Carne Asada: Made with the best marinade for carne asada tacos.
- Birria: Turn this into crispy, cheesy birria tacos.
- Carnitas: A pork lover’s dream.
- Taco soup: Enjoy the best taco flavors in one hearty soup.
- Shrimp Tacos: Paired with a tasty cilantro bacon slaw.
- Huevos Rancheros: The best kind of savory Mexican breakfast.
- Or enjoy these other delicious Mexican recipes!
If you make this chicken fajitas recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Description
Video
Equipment
- Staub Cast Iron Fry Pan My favorite cast iron fry pan for stovetop dishes!
- Zwilling Chef's Knife This is the knife I use in my everyday cooking.
Ingredients
Chicken Fajitas
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers , thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ lime
Fajita Seasoning
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Serving
- tortillas
- sour cream
- pico de gallo
- avocado
Instructions
- Make fajita seasoning. Add the fajita seasoning ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir together.
- Season the chicken. Generously sprinkle the fajita seasoning on both sides of the chicken and use your fingers to press it into the chicken.
- Cook the chicken. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side.
- Slice the veggies. While your chicken is cooking, cut the bell peppers and onion into thin slices.
- Cook the veggies. Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove it to a plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Add the bell peppers and onion to the same skillet over medium heat and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Slice the chicken. When the bell peppers are just about done sauteing, slice the chicken breasts into strips. You can slice those pieces in half again for thinner strips of chicken.
- Mix and serve. Add the chicken back into the skillet, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and stir everything together. Serve immediately with tortillas and extra toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole.
Lisa’s Tips
- If you’re unsure if your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to see if the internal temperature is 165°F. And since you’ll be letting the chicken rest while cooking the veggies, I recommend taking it out of the pan at around 160°F, as there will be carry-over cooking.
- If you want extra flavoring on your chicken, use my fajita marinade from this chicken marinade post! Plus, these can be frozen and used at a later time.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted February 2020, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
Hi! I’m thinking of trying this recipe and was wondering if I can make it with leftover chicken. If so, how would I adjust??
My husband was intrigued by the recipe when I shared it with him because he loves fajitas! So he made your recipe and we all loved it! (My adult daughter was there too!).
It was really a hit! So delicious!
Thank you.
Was absolutely Delicious!!
Happy to hear you loved this chicken fajitas dish, Stephanie!
Can you substitute steak for chicken in this recipe?
Hi Rachel – I actually have a steak fajitas recipe you can follow along to!
I am an expat living in Mexico. Tonight ive invited mexican friends for dinner and i am making these chicken fajitas along with refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo all made from scratch from your recipes. I also marinated my chicken breasts in buttermilk overnight for tenderness and juiciness. Anxious to see how my Mexican friends react
Hope you and your friends enjoy, Barbara!
Started my “HEART HEALTHY” diet and this was my first cooked Mediterranean meal. It was delicious!
Glad this chicken fajitas was just what you were looking for, Tracy!
These fajitas are amazing! Definitely make your own fajita seasoning, it is well worth it. I cut the chicken into strips before cooking because I wanted as much seasoning on it as possible. Also, I switched out the olive oil for avocado oil for more flavor. This will be on our monthly meal rotation for sure!
The homemade fajita seasoning will make all the difference! Glad you’re loving this chicken fajitas, Heather.
Absolutely delicious!
I’m so glad you’re loving this chicken fajitas, Laraine!
Another great recipe from you! Can’t beat how simple this recipe is for any cook! These were wonderful with my homemade flour tortillas! 😋
So simple yet so delicious! I’m glad you agree, Marie. Enjoy!
The spices on this are just perfect. Have used many times and will keep on using. Thank you!
Happy to hear you’re loving this chicken fajitas recipe!
I made the chicken fajitas recipe – it is awesome. Your recipes make cooking healthy a breeze. Thank you
Thanks so much, Debbbie! I’m glad you’re enjoying them all, including these chicken fajitas. :)
These were fantastic! My husband raved over how delicious these are.
I’m so glad you both loved this chicken fajitas recipe, Becca!
This was so easy but so yummy! Definitely going on my list of rotation suppers!
Wonderful! Happy to hear you loved this chicken fajitas recipe, Kate.
This was such a quick and easy recipe, and absolutely delicious!!!!!
Amazing! Happy to hear you loved this recipe, Candi.
I’ve made this recipe a number of time. It is so easy & delicious .Everyone loved it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Happy to hear this chicken fajitas has been enjoyed plenty of times, Jane!
Is it possible to cut the chicken into strips, season it and then bake it in the oven on a sheet pan. I had a look at the cast iron pans and find them far too small for the price. They are priced at £500.00 for a 23cm cast iron pan.
I would need two for the amount I am cooking so not willing to spend a £1000.00 for a chicken dinner. I do however have an extra large scan pan but I suppose this type of pan won’t cook the food like a cast iron one.
Hi Rita – Yes, you can do that. However, the chicken won’t get that seared outer layer as you would in a skillet. However, I’m not sure what the time and temperature would be as I haven’t tested it yet. Let me know how it turns out!
Excellent!
My husband lovessss this!
Happy to hear he’s loving this chicken fajitas recipe, Miriam!
Excellent!
Glad you’re loving this chicken fajitas, Karen!
Hi, I would like to use chicken thighs because I prefer it over breast. How many pounds should I use? Thanks!
I did the marinade for about 1 hr and added the dry rub when cooking, my family and I loved it! Thanks 😊
Wonderful! Glad your chicken fajitas was a hit with your family, Amanda.
I have never attempted to make fajitas before. This recipe was so easy and delicious. I don’t have a cast iron skillet so I used my non-stick pan. It worked fine. These were also easy to reheat the next day. I just added a little water to the pan, heated it up, then added the leftovers. Worked great. This will for sure be on my list of recipes to make again!!
Leftovers of this chicken fajitas is the best! Happy to hear you enjoyed it so much, Sharon.
Hi! Made this last night for Family dinner. It was a huge success! They’ve asked for it to be put on rotation! Delicious and simple! Loved your fajita marinade too!
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kelly – Thrilled to hear this was a huge success for family dinner!
I made this tonight and it was out of this world with flavor. I doubled the seasoning however, but only because the only measuring spoons i have are a tablespoon and teaspoon, and I didn’t feel like eyeballing anything.
It’s a quick and easy recipe to follow when you’ve got screaming kids yelling that they are hungry every 2 minutes. My picky eater had 3 helpings.
Very low sodium so anyone on a sodium restricted diet can enjoy the flavorful meal also.
I made the fajitas with lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, salsa and hot sauce. The toppings blend well with the flavor of the chicken.
Thrilled to hear this chicken fajitas was a hit, especially with double the seasoning! You can never go wrong with extra flavor. Enjoy!
Hi, I’m making this tonight for Family dinner. I used your marinade for the chicken, do I stil need to add the dry seasonings before cooking?
Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to see what the family thinks!
Hi Kelly – it’s up to you! The marinade will impart delicious flavor on it’s own, so you don’t have to add the dry seasonings if you’d like to skip. Or you could add a smaller amount of them, as it’s also nice that they coat the veggies in the pan. Hope you and your family enjoy the chicken fajitas!
EXCELLENT RECIPE.5☆’s.Fajitas are my favorite Mexican food at the restaurant. I’ve tried more then a couple of recipes trying to get the same flavor. This is it. They were so good my husband said they’re better then at the restaurant.
Happy to hear you’ve found the perfect chicken fajitas recipe that hits the spot, Lauren! It’s all about the seasoning for this dish and nothing beats this homemade version!
Excellent, made as directed and these were as good as any restaurant. I used the leftovers for tortilla soup the next day and that was a hit as well. Do it, make this!!!!!
Great idea on using leftovers for a tortilla soup, Gee. Enjoy!
Whenever I’m in need of a quick weeknight dinner, this chicken fajita dish is easy to whip up for the family. I always have the ingredients on hand, and it never fails to disappoint. Thank you, Lisa!
Thrilled to hear this chicken fajitas dish is a hit every single time!
My family LOVED this tonight. The recipe was perfect! They’re already asking for me to make it again!
Wonderful! Glad the whole family enjoyed this chicken fajitas recipe, Robert.
Love this recipe what a delicious easy dinner!! We added 2 packets of Goya Sazon, and it turns out perfect every single time!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Valerie!
Beautiful recipe. So easy to make and so tasty.
Happy to hear you enjoyed it, Laura!
*I added 2 rashers of smoked bacon strips and brown mushrooms Great!
I’m sure the smoked bacon and mushrooms added so much flavor to this dish, Terry!
The fajita seasoning is very flavorful and the rice got rave reviews from my family. This is so easy to make for a large group. It will be made again!!
I’m glad you and your family enjoyed the homemade seasoning on these chicken fajitas, Jolinda!
Where has this recipe been all my life. I am always looking for a good chicken fajita recipe. This is it! The entire family approved. I will be making this often.
I’m so glad you found a winning chicken fajitas recipe the whole family loves, Cindy!
This is my favorite chicken. The spice combination has been a game changer because I use it for ground beef as well. This is also an easy recipe to make.
I’m happy to hear it’s your favorite chicken recipe, Marion!
Very easy great video and instructions 5 🌟. Good quick easy meal.
Hi Robert – Happy to hear the video and instructions were extremely helpful!