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Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe for Quick Flavor Boost at Home

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A quick and easy skillet chicken fajitas recipe that delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors with tender chicken, caramelized bell peppers, and onions. Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • A handful of chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, pico de gallo

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the chicken breasts or thighs into strips about ¼ inch thick. Slice the bell peppers and onion into similar-sized strips. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  2. In a small bowl, combine chili powder (1 tbsp), cumin (1 tsp), smoked paprika (1 tsp), garlic powder (½ tsp), onion powder (½ tsp), salt (½ tsp), and freshly ground black pepper (¼ tsp). Toss the chicken strips in this seasoning mix along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, coating every piece well. Let sit for 5 minutes if possible.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until shimmering hot but not smoking.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes until no longer pink and edges caramelize. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Push the chicken to one side or remove temporarily. Add bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly charred, stirring often.
  6. Mix chicken and veggies together, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and toss in chopped cilantro if using. Adjust salt or lime to taste.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for about 30 seconds to make them pliable.
  8. Serve the chicken fajita mixture with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced avocado. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use medium-high heat for best sear and caramelization. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if chicken starts to dry. Warm tortillas just before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajitas, skillet fajitas, quick dinner, Tex-Mex, easy recipe, weeknight meal, chicken recipe