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chicken fajita recipe - Sizzling chicken fajitas with colorful bell peppers and onions in a cast iron skillet, served with tortillas and toppings.

Ultimate Sizzling Chicken Fajita Recipe


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  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This ultimate chicken fajita recipe delivers juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken and tender-crisp peppers and onions, all sizzling hot and ready to be piled into warm tortillas. Quick, easy, and packed with authentic Mexican-inspired flavor!


Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 large orange bell pepper, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
Warm tortillas and your favorite toppings (sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese) for serving


Instructions

Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into thin, uniform strips (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick). Slice the bell peppers (red, yellow, orange recommended) and onion into similar-sized strips.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the fajita seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper, plus optional cayenne). Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 4: Add the sliced onions to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become translucent.
Step 5: Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp. Remove the cooked onions and peppers from the skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Increase the heat to high. Once very hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, or until beautifully browned and cooked through. Cook in two batches if needed.
Step 7: Once the chicken is cooked, return the reserved onions and peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture just before serving.
Step 8: Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to your seasoning blend. Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired spice level. Leftovers store well in airtight containers for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fajita (approx. 1/4 recipe + tortilla & toppings)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
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