Posted Mar 04, 2022, Updated Feb 19, 2024 Whenever we go out for Mexican food, I almost always order chicken fajitas (or chicken enchiladas). Since going out with 6 young children isn’t always easy, I decided it was past time for me to make the best chicken fajita recipe at home! In this recipe, chicken is infused with a flavorful marinade, then cooked with bell peppers, onions and garlic. Serve them with your favorite tortillas, guacamole, refried black beans, cilantro lime rice and homemade salsa for a Mexican feast that’s easy, healthy & delicious.
Chicken Fajita Recipe: Ingredients and Substitutions
Chicken breasts. use prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Lime juice. Fresh-squeezed or bottled both work well! Olive oil. Avocado oil is a great substitute for olive oil. Minced garlic. I use jarred, but freshly minced garlic is great too. Spices (cumin, paprika, chili powder & coriander). I have included our favorite fajita seasoning blend. You can adjust it to your tastes however you see fit. Bell peppers. I like to use a variety of colors for presentation, you can use your favorites (red, orange, yellow, red). Onion. Use a sweet yellow or white onion or red onion.
How to Make Chicken Fajitas
This chicken fajita recipe is relatively easy, and if you follow my tips and suggestions they are certain to turn out perfectly every time!
Marinate the Chicken
Begin this recipe by marinating the chicken. First, cut the chicken breasts into thin strips 1 to 1.5 inches long. Then, whisk together lime juice, olive oil and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Next, add the chicken and stir to coat. In a small bowl combine spices and stir to combine. Next, add the fajita seasoning to the chicken and turn to coat. Cover the bowl and marinate chicken for at least 1 hour at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. Make sure to remove chicken from the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before cooking so it is not too cold when cooked (this will help it brown quickly).
Cook the Chicken Fajitas
When you’re ready to cook, drain excess liquid from the marinated chicken. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet until shimmering NOTE: you do not want to over-crowd the skillet. If you only have a smaller skillet (10” or less) then you will need to cook these chicken fajitas in two batches. Keep the first batch warm in the oven while making the second. It’s important the chicken is in a single layer and the pan is heated with the oil to brown the meat. Next, add the chicken, onions and garlic and cook over medium-high heat until chicken is browned, stirring occasionally. Then, add the peppers and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook over high heat until seared/browned (3-5 minutes). If necessary, add more olive oil to brown the fajitas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately! We love serving these with tortillas, or as a yummy Mexican bowl/salad with these recipes:
The best Homemade guacamole is a must-have companion for this chicken fajita recipe. Also, homemade salsa – yum! Cilantro lime rice is a great side dish! These refried black beans are healthy and delicious.
Store/Freeze
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
