The Best Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Chicken Fajitas became popular in the 80’s, when “Tex-Mex” was gaining popularity. But I really know them from working at the popular restaurant Chili’s while I was in law school. As a server, you would carry this big tray on your shoulder with the iconic sizzling skillet, squeezing the fresh lemon juice over the top for the added drama at the table. It was always a hit with customers, but I would come home smelling like fajitas!  Which I hated, and which is why I think I had an aversion to cooking them for so long as an adult.  

Recently, I was trying to come up with something for dinner, and I remembered how easy it was to make fajitas. I happened to have all the ingredients on hand, and so that’s what we had.  They turned out great; my family loved them. So here I am sharing this simple recipe with all of you!   I do recommend marinating the chicken for at least an hour for the best flavor. Other than that step, the whole thing comes together really fast, and I think you’ll love this recipe for the best chicken fajitas.  

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Fajitas

Chicken breast

1 ½ pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts.  I recommend cutting the chicken lengthwise from top to bottom into thin strips.  You can also use chicken tenders if you prefer.  

Large Onion

1 yellow onion.  Cut into slices.

Bell pepper

1 bell pepper.  Select any variety you like.  I prefer red bell peppers, but orange, yellow, and green bell peppers are also great. 

Oil 

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.  Canola oil or avocado oil also works.  I would avoid olive oil because I think a flavorless oil works better here.  That being said, if all you have is olive oil, then it’s ok.  

Cumin

1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.

Salt

1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Black Pepper

1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Lime

1 whole lime.

Chicken Marinade Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon of paprika
• ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Toppings and Serving Suggestions:

• Warm tortillas – flour or corn tortillas
• Pico de gallo or salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour Cream 
• Grated Cheese 
• Lime Wedges
• Beans
• Rice 

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHICKEN FAJITA RECIPE

STEP 1:  Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by adding all of your marinade ingredients to a bowl and whisking until everything is well combined.  This quick step is where all the bold, fajita flavor begins!  

STEP 2:  Slice the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts into thin strips, cutting lengthwise from top to bottom. This helps keep the chicken tender and gives you those classic fajita-style pieces.

STEP 3:  Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Add the sliced chicken to a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over the top.  Seal the bag and gently massage it so every piece is coated.  Put it in the fridge and let it marinate for at least an hour (or up to 4 hours if you have the time).  

STEP 4:  Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat.  Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated chicken (working in batches if needed). Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, but allowing it to sit long enough to get those golden, slightly charred edges.  Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

STEP 5:  Cook the Peppers and Onions

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.  Toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers, then season with cumin, salt, and pepper.  Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender with a little char on the edges, about 5 minutes.  If they are browning too fast, lower to medium-high heat or medium heat.  

STEP 6:  Bring It All Together

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the veggies and give everything a good stir.  Once combined and heated through, remove from the heat and finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice for that bright, zesty flavor.

STEP 7:  Serve and Enjoy

Serve your chicken fajitas warm with soft flour tortillas and all your favorite toppings.  Think homemade salsa, guacamole, black beans, and rice.  Build your perfect taco and enjoy every delicious, flavor-packed bite!  

These homemade fajitas are loaded with great flavor, from the perfectly seasoned chicken to those tender, charred veggies. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but still feels a little special when you bring it to the table. Pile everything into warm tortillas, or make a bowl by adding your favorite toppings, and enjoy every delicious bite.

More Recipes To Try!

Easy Mexican Corn Elote 

Easy Black Bean & Rice Enchiladas

One Pot Taco Meat and Rice

Grilled Mexican Lime Chicken