Chicken Fajitas

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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!

A skillet of chicken fajitas.
Photo: Gayle McLeod

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. 
Ingredients for chicken 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.

Adding fajita seasoning on chicken breasts.

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. 

Seared chicken breasts.

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!

Cooking vegetables in a skillet.

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.

Sliced chicken breast on a wooden board.

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 

Do I need a cast iron skillet?

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.

Can I grill the chicken?

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.

Can I slice and season the chicken before cooking it?

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. 

How do I store leftovers?

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.

Skillet chicken fajitas.

More Easy 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.

Chicken fajitas in a black skillet.

Chicken Fajitas – Easy & Flavorful!

4.98 from 442 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 16 minutes
Total: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

Enjoy these easy chicken fajitas with chicken and vibrant veggies tossed in the best fajita seasoning. Wrap them in tortillas for a deliciously easy taco night! Watch the video below to see how I make them in my kitchen!

Video

Equipment

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

For Serving

Instructions 

  • Make fajita seasoning. Add the fajita seasoning ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir together.
    A bowl of fajita seasoning.
  • Season the chicken. Generously sprinkle the fajita seasoning on both sides of the chicken and use your fingers to press it into the chicken.
    Chicken seasoned with fajita seasoning.
  • 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.
    Searing chicken in a skillet.
  • Slice the veggies. While your chicken is cooking, cut the bell peppers and onion into thin slices.
    Sliced vegetables on a wooden board.
  • 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.
    A skillet of fajita veggies.
  • 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.
    Sliced chicken breasts on a wooden chopping board.
  • 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.
    Skillet chicken fajitas.

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

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 275mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2172IU | Vitamin C: 80mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chicken Fajita recipe, Chicken Fajitas, How To Make Chicken Fajitas
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

Recipe originally posted February 2020, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

4.98 from 442 votes (61 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




779 Comments

  1. Hands down the tastiest and easiest fajitas I’ve ever made. Even my picky granddaughter loved them. Thank you for a winning recipe I will be making again and again 5 stars

  2. Loved the recipe! I doubled it and added guacamole instead avocado. Unfortunately, no leftovers for the next day’s lunch ☺️5 stars

  3. Use a heavy cast iron pan, and use it as the serving dish it so the fajitas stay hot. Squeeze the lime juice just before removing from stove and you will get the fajita sizzle. Works well on a gas grill also.

  4. This was the first recipe I made on my family loved it… Thank you so much looking forward to making anymore.5 stars

    1. The tortillas are actually not part of the nutritional information. Just the chicken fajitas themselves.

  5. YUM! This recipe was so good and so quick to make! The seasoning for the chicken is top notch – I will use that for multiple things now! You can truly taste all of the flavors. From prep to finish, I had a meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.

    The only thing I added more of was garlic powder, salt, and the juice from 2 small limes – purely preference!5 stars

  6. I just want to say I haven’t tried a recipe I haven’t loved from you! As I’ve been trying to learn to cook (and cook healthy) your the first person I check to see if you have a recipe on the meal. I just made the chicken fajitas recipe last night for my husband and I, and it’s going to become a weekly thing for us! Thank you so much!

  7. Making this once again tonight, absolutely lovely like all other recipes here and my whole family enjoys them! 5 stars

  8. Most excellent! I came here specifically for the fajita seasoning, but the entire recipe is spot on. I appreciate that you state to season the breasts, cook them, *then* slice them. That’s the way Mexican restaurants here in Texas do it. I don’t really get cutting into strips before cooking.

    Also want to mention that this is a gorgeous and easy-to-read site on mobile. Soooo many recipe sites are frustratingly hard to read because of all the flipping ads and social shares covering up the viewport (like JoCooks, for example). Not a good way to check your progress during prep and cooking! Makes me want to run far away.

    Kudos on all of it. I will most definitely be coming back for more!5 stars

    1. Thrilled to hear you’re loving this chicken fajitas recipe Terry! Thanks for leaving a review as well and can’t wait to see what you make next :)

  9. My family loves it and have requested this more often. I’ve even used the same seasoni g on steak and it came out great. Only thing I added was onion powder (same ratio as garlic) ❤️❤️❤️5 stars

  10. I have never written a review for a recipe before, but I had to for this one.
    This is the most AMAZING fajita recipe! The seasoning is delicious. The ratio of chicken to veggies is perfect.
    I would eat this instead of restaurant fajitas any day…it is that good!
    Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe.5 stars

  11. I tried and loved your Chicken Fajitas. The dry rub you created was PERFECT. I have tried over a dozen dry rubs for various foods (chicken, pork ribs, pork chops and beef ribs) and they were NOT a flavorful as yours was.

    I did make one adjustment though. I put the chicken breasts in a bowl and covered them up. While I was frying the bell peppers and the onion, I started to slice the chicken breasts. I noticed that I had accumulated about a 1/4 cup of juices from the chicken breasts. I did not want to waste it so I added the juices to the veggies and the combination of the dry rub, the veggies and the chicken breasts was FANTASTIC. I will definitely make them again. Now if I can only figure out what other meats/pountry that I could use your dry rub I would be extremely. Any suggestions? Again, great reciple.5 stars

    1. Glad you enjoyed this chicken fajitas recipe! You could also use this dry rub over beef or pork :)

  12. Loved the recipe, didn’t have oregano, used Italian seasoning and it was wonderful. Even my picky eater loved it.5 stars

  13. Usually when I select a recipe, I Google it and pick the one that has the best review to comment ratio. I check out a few different ones and either take bits and pieces and combine them or choose the one I think will taste best.

    For this recipe I didn’t go through that process and just went into it with hopes that I wouldn’t be disappointed. It was AMAZING and EASY. I got my all my ingredients from Aldi for under $20, including rice, and there was alot of leftovers.

    I will be saving this recipe and next time I will try it out with different things (boneless skinless thighs, cilantro, etc) like others suggested in their comments to “make it my own” so to speak.

    Thank you for a wonderful recipe.5 stars

    1. Thanks so much for leaving a review Emily! Glad you enjoyed this chicken fajitas recipe :)

  14. This was delightful. I did salt a bit more post-cook (idk man my tastebuds 😂) but loved it loved it. 5 stars

  15. hello, this recipe looks easy and tasty and was interested in trying this out for our upcoming camping trip. i was thinking of pre-seasoning the chicken ahead in a ziplock bag and have them ready to cook or do you you think i should bring seasoning mix and season just before cooking? Thanks!

  16. Very good, but not quite spicy enough for my taste. Will try with smoked paprika next time. Also had to double recipe for two large chicken breasts. I’m a visual learner, so loved being able to watch the video…thanks!4 stars

  17. This is way better than buying any over the counter seasoning packet. I’d give this 10 stars if I could. 5 stars

  18. This dish has been a huge hit with my family. Unfortunately we have to omit the garlic powder due as I’m garlic intolerant, but it still tastes fantastic.5 stars

  19. All sorts of delicious and SUPER easy to throw together for a weeknight. Loved the seasoning mix. I did cut my chicken into strips first and tossed with the seasoning. I also saved a little of the seasoning mix to toss with the peppers and onions. Served with flour tortillas, guac and sour cream. Excited to have some leftover for lunch. Will definitely be making again!5 stars

  20. The seasoning was delicious and the meal turned out way better than any other fajita recipe I have used before. This is now my go to fajita recipe.  Easy and delicious.  Thank you.5 stars

  21. While cleaning/organizing my freezer earlier today, I unearthed some chicken tenders. I also had a half a bell pepper and some onion left over from the previous night’s black bean burgers. Fajitas was the first thing that popped into my head and of course Downshiftology was the first place I looked for a recipe. I had to scale it down, but it was delicious. Next time I’ll definitely be making a full batch. You never let me down, Lisa! Thanks for yet another keeper.5 stars

  22. I want so much to try this recipe. However, when I try to print it, the image is a box so small on the page that I can’t read it. I can’t figure out how to fix this. Too bad.

    1. Oh no! Can you let me know which image you are referring to? You can also choose to remove the images with the little camera toggle button if they are taking up too much space.

  23. These were so yummy! I made them tonight. Super simple and quick! Definitely will be a favorite in my house!!!5 stars

  24. This is by far the best chicken fajita dish i have ever made. DEIICIOUS!!!! Stick to the recipe as written, you wont be disappointed,5 stars

  25. I needed something fast with 3 chicken breasts and decided on fajitas. This seemed easiest so I gave itago. My family LOVED IT!!
    ‘Best fajitas I ever made- said everyone.5 stars

  26. I personally like reducing the amount of bell peppers and adding black beans to the pan. It increases the amount of protein, and you can never go wrong with legumes!!5 stars

  27. Excellent recipe and spices. I grilled my chicken instead of cooking it in the pan. Grilled chicken is always better.5 stars

  28. My husband and I just make chicken fajitas using this recipe.  This is SO much better than the packaged mix!  DELICIOUS!
    Thank you for sharing it.5 stars

  29. Tonight I will be making this for my second time. This recipe is delicious and super easy. Thank you for sharing.

  30. I loved your video. Short and sweet without a lot of “cute talk”. Making it for dinner tonight.5 stars

  31. Delicious!! Love the spice combo. Didn’t have lime but it still tastes great with sour cream and salsa. Will make again!5 stars