Nothing beats the sizzle of a hot skillet filled with perfectly seasoned chicken and colorful peppers. That’s exactly what you get with this simple fajita recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen.
I’ve been making fajitas for over a decade, and this recipe has become my go-to for busy weeknights. The secret? A homemade spice blend that takes just minutes to mix but delivers incredible flavor.
Why This Fajita Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it focuses on three key elements: proper seasoning, high heat cooking, and fresh ingredients. The chicken stays juicy, the vegetables maintain their crunch, and everything comes together in under 30 minutes.
The homemade seasoning mix eliminates the need for store-bought packets. You control the salt content and avoid unnecessary additives. Plus, it tastes significantly better than anything from a packet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1. For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
2. For the Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 1/2 lime for juice
3. For the Fajita Seasoning:
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4. For Serving:
- Tortillas
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
- Sliced avocado
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Seasoning. Mix all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. This blend works for chicken, beef, or shrimp fajitas.
- Season the Chicken. Sprinkle the seasoning generously on both sides of the chicken breasts. Press it into the meat with your fingers to ensure it sticks.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the juices locked in when you slice it.
- Prepare the Vegetables. While the chicken rests, slice your bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Keep them uniform for even cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables. Use the same skillet (don’t clean it) to cook the vegetables. The leftover chicken drippings add extra flavor. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Finish and Serve. Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add it back to the skillet with the vegetables. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and stir to combine.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fajitas
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet. Cast iron retains heat better and creates a beautiful sear on the chicken. If you don’t have one, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works too.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables. Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture. Overcooked peppers become mushy and lose their vibrant color.
- Let the Chicken Rest. This step is crucial. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing dry chicken.
- Slice Against the Grain. Cut the chicken strips perpendicular to the muscle fibers for the most tender bite.
Serving Suggestions
The classic way to serve fajitas is with warm tortillas and toppings. Set up a DIY taco bar with sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, and shredded cheese.
For a lighter option, serve over lettuce leaves or cilantro lime rice. The seasoned chicken and vegetables also make excellent salad toppers.
Storage and Meal Prep
Leftover fajitas keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The flavors actually improve overnight as the seasonings meld together.
For meal prep, cook a double batch and divide into containers. Add the lime juice just before serving to maintain the best flavor.
Recipe Variations
This basic fajita recipe adapts easily to different proteins. Try it with shrimp (cook for 2-3 minutes per side) or beef strips (cook for 3-4 minutes per side).
Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms or extra vegetables like zucchini and yellow squash.
The Bottom Line
This fajita recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The homemade seasoning makes all the difference, and the simple cooking method ensures success every time.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table. The combination of seasoned protein, colorful vegetables, and fresh toppings creates a dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Try this recipe once, and it’ll become part of your regular rotation. The flavors are bold, the process is straightforward, and the results are consistently excellent.
Easy Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the fajita seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with the fajita seasoning on both sides. Use your fingers to press the seasoning into the meat to ensure it adheres properly.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- While the chicken rests, slice the bell peppers and onion into thin, uniform strips for even cooking.
- Add the sliced peppers and onions to the same skillet (don’t clean it) and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness. Add the chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and vegetables, then stir everything together to combine. Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.