Chicken Fajitas

by Lisa Bryan

673 Comments

Updated May 17, 2023

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Chicken fajitas are an easy and flavorful weeknight meal. A classic Mexican recipe, juicy chicken is seasoned, seared and cooked to perfection, then tossed with sauteed bell peppers and onions. A squeeze of fresh lime adds a punch of flavor and the chicken fajitas are served with warm tortillas and toppings. You can’t beat this healthy family favorite recipe.

Chicken fajitas in a pan on a table with toppings.

Chicken Fajita Ingredients

Don’t you just love meals that only require a few basic ingredients? Well this chicken fajita recipe is just that. All you need is chicken, bell pepper, onion, lime juice and spices, plus tortillas and your favorite toppings. It’s incredibly easy.

It’s a one-pan recipe and in less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal (I can’t get enough of those Mexican spices) that also makes for the best leftovers or meal prep.

Homemade Fajita Seasoning is Best

While you can buy pre-made seasoning packets, I’d caution against it. Nothing compares to the flavor of homemade fajita seasoning and it’s easy to whip up. Plus, you’ll avoid any unnecessary fillers and additives. Here’s a quick rundown of the spices you’ll need:

  • Chili Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Three chicken breasts sprinkled with fajita seasoning.

How To Make Chicken Fajitas

Once you’ve made your fajita seasoning, the chicken fajitas come together fast. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Season the chicken. Generously sprinkle the fajita seasoning on both sides of the chicken and use your fingers to press it in.
  2. Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil. Sear the chicken breasts for about 7-8 minutes on each side. Then remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
  3. Saute the bell peppers and onion. While the chicken is cooking, cut the bell peppers and onions into thin slices. Then saute them in the same skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until caramelized. You’re essentially making fajita veggies.
  4. Mix together. Add the chicken back into the skillet, squeeze fresh lime juice on top and stir everything together.
  5. Wrap it up. Serve immediately with tortillas and extra toppings.

Chicken fajita ingredients in a saute pan.

Chicken Fajita Recipe Video

With a little slicing and sautéing you can whip up this recipe in no time. Watch the video below to see how I make it!

Do You 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 to it 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, you can use a stainless steel pan as well.

Customize Your Chicken Fajitas

While chicken fajitas taste great on their own, toppings can make all the difference. From a dollop of sour cream to cheese or avocado slices, fajitas are a fun way to serve customizable options for your family or a large party! A few of my favorite toppings are pico de gallo and guacamole.

And if you’ve got some chicken fajitas leftover, don’t limit yourself to just wrapping them in tortillas. You can use butter lettuce to make lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Or, you can throw them in a bowl with some leafy greens, black beans, sweet corn and avocado for an easy fajita salad.

Can You Meal Prep Chicken Fajitas?

Absolutely! This is a great recipe to make ahead as the sautéed chicken and vegetables will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. Just store them in a sealed container and then reheat before adding to a tortilla or salad.

Chicken fajitas in a saute pan.

More Fajita Recipes to Try

If you love fajitas as much as I do, I think you’ll love these tasty variations!

More Easy Mexican Recipes

And you can wash down all that deliciousness with a classic margarita or mango margarita. Enjoy!

Chicken fajitas in a pan on a table with toppings.

Chicken Fajitas - Easy & Flavorful!

4.99 from 385 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 16 minutes
Total: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan
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Description

Chicken fajitas are an easy and flavorful weeknight meal. This Mexican recipe that everyone will love can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes. Watch the video above!

Video

Ingredients  

Chicken Fajitas

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 bell peppers , thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 lime

Fajita Seasoning

For Serving

Instructions 

  • Add the fajitas seasoning ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir together.
    Mixing the fajita seasoning in a bowl.
  • Generously sprinkle the fajita seasoning on both sides of the chicken and use your fingers to press it into the chicken.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 7-8 minutes on each side.
  • While your chicken is cooking, cut the bell peppers and onion into thin slices.
    Slicing the bell pepper into strips.
  • 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 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • When the bell peppers are just about done sauteing, slice the chicken breasts into strips.
  • 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.
    Serving the chicken fajitas with tortillas, guacamole and other ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 275mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2160IU | Vitamin C: 80mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chicken Fajita recipe, Chicken Fajitas, How To Make Chicken Fajitas

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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.

Read More About Me

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Recipe Rating




673 Comments

  1. Tried this recipe for dinner tonight and I must say it was extremely tasty!! What would I change in recipe NOTHING taste just like all our local Mexican restaurants thank you for the recipe!5 stars

    Reply

  2. This is a family favorite! These fajitas are SO easy to make, yet SO full of flavor and fresh-tasting. We make them so often that I prep a large batch of the rub to have on hand…making the recipe even easier. :) Lisa nailed it, once again….which is why Downshiftology is my absolute “go to” place to find THE best recipes to nourish my family with absolutely delicious, yet simple and healthy whole food.5 stars

    Reply

  3. This was super easy and hubby liked it. Slicing the veg super thin helped cook it faster and made some caramelization.

    Reply

      1. I did it! Thank you so much. This was delicious and easy enough. My 1st time was a great success5 stars

  4. The fajitas were a big hit with everyone on New Year’s Eve. I cut my chicken into strips and marinated for a half hour. Other than that, I followed your recipe exactly and used my cast iron fry pan. Very tasty. I tripled the fajita seasoning mix and now have it on hand for the next time!5 stars

    Reply

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the chicken fajitas, Becky! And so smart of you to triple the fajita seasoning. It will make it that much easier and faster for future fajitas!

      Reply

  6. I’ve made this recipe several times and realized I hadn’t left a review. That ends today! My family and I have added this to our regular rotation. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious; a perfect meal for busy weeknights or any night for that matter. Absolutely delicious!5 stars

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, Paula! I’m thrilled you and your family love this recipe. :)

      Reply

  9. This was absolutely delicious! I skipped the Paprika since I didn’t have any and I marinated the chicken (cut into strips first) in the spice mix + the juice of a lime + some avocado oil for a couple hours. It came out soooo tender and flavorful. I normally don’t repeat recipes within a few weeks but I made this Sunday night and I’m making it tonight (Thursday!) Excellent5 stars

    Reply

    1. I suggest cooking the veggie portion first, then adding the cooked chicken back into the pan to warm them up! But, it’s best to make this recipe from scratch as you need to season the chicken as well.

      Reply

  12. I am making this for my family right now. I am a vegetarian so I substituted mushrooms for my portion and seasoned and cooked it separately. It looks amazing already. They are going to love the chicken too.

    Reply

  13. I just was a tad bit too tired tonight to put it together so I cheated and found this recipe. My goodness so glad I did! Perfect combo of seasoning.
    Thank you,
    GrammyRed5 stars

    Reply

  14. This recipe is so delicious and easy! It’s my new go to Mexican dish recipe! I’ve made it 5 times at least. And usually my kids eat it well too.5 stars

    Reply

    2. Wow! I followed your recipe exactly and it’s awesome! I did a combination of shrimp, left over prime rib and chicken breast for the meat. Thank you!
      Renee5 stars

      Reply

  17. This looks very good,& I am glad you showed us what spices to mix for the fajitas. I didn’t know you could make your own. Thank you for showing me.5 stars

    Reply

  19. These fajitas are so good! I always make this when chicken is on sale. It’s easy to make and so flavorful. I usually add some crushed red pepper and fresh jalapenos (or canned chiles) because my family likes it spicy :)5 stars

    Reply