There is nothing quite as satisfying and vibrant as a flavorful, sizzling plate of our Simple Homemade Chicken Fajitas Recipe. This dish brings together tender strips of marinated chicken, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions, all perfectly seasoned and wrapped in warm tortillas. Every bite bursts with those classic fajita flavors that are both comforting and exciting, making it a fantastic meal for weeknights or casual gatherings where everyone can get involved. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh, everyday ingredients that create a combination of textures and tastes that come alive on your plate. Each ingredient plays an important role: the chicken provides protein and juicy tenderness; the bell peppers introduce crispness and vibrant color; and the aromatic onions contribute subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Sliced into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
- 1 each Red bell pepper: Adds a bright sweetness and beautiful red hue.
- 1 each Yellow bell pepper: Offers a mild, fruity crunch that balances the dish.
- 1 each Green bell pepper: Brings a slightly earthy tone and crisp texture.
- 1 medium Onion: Sliced into wedges to develop caramelized flavor when sautéed.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and helping to meld flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons Fajita seasoning: Whether store-bought or homemade, this is the magic that transforms the dish with spices.
- Salt to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
- 8 small Tortillas (flour or corn): Soft, warm wraps that complete the fajita experience.
- 1 fresh lime: Cut into wedges for a zesty finishing touch.
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro: Chopped to add a burst of freshness and color.
How to Make Simple Homemade Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips that will cook quickly and evenly. Setting these aside, proceed with washing and slicing your bell peppers and onions into thin wedges. The uniformity here is key so everything cooks at the same pace and your fajitas have a balanced mouthfeel.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Take a mixing bowl and combine the chicken strips with your fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. This marinating step infuses your protein with bold flavors and helps keep the chicken juicy and tender once cooked. Allow the mixture to rest for at least 15 minutes to soak up all that seasoning goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, spread the marinated chicken strips evenly across the pan. Let them cook undisturbed a bit for a beautiful golden sear, then stir occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and slightly charred, which adds wonderful smoky undertones that are signature to fajitas.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the chicken to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Toss everything together gently and let it mingle on the heat for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly before serving.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
While the chicken and vegetables finish cooking, warm your tortillas to make them pliable and fragrant. You can heat them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for a few seconds.
Step 7: Assemble Your Fajitas
Place a generous scoop of the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each warm tortilla. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top to brighten the flavors and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a beautiful, aromatic finish. Fold your tortillas and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate your fajitas from delicious to dazzling. Think dollops of sour cream, slices of ripe avocado, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or diced tomatoes. Each topping adds personality and layers of texture.
Side Dishes
Complement this wholesome meal with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh, zesty salsa. These pairings help round out the meal and bring additional colors, textures, and flavors to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the chicken, veggies, tortillas, and toppings buffet-style so guests can customize their own fajitas. Or, try wrapping them in foil and slicing into bite-size pieces for easy, mess-free appetizers. Presentation is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover chicken and vegetable mix can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
Fajita filling freezes beautifully. Cool the cooked mixture completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Warm tortillas separately before assembling for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and remain tender, so feel free to swap in boneless, skinless thighs for a twist on this Simple Homemade Chicken Fajitas Recipe.
Is fajita seasoning hard to make at home?
Not at all. A simple mix of chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne can easily replace store-bought seasoning and customize the heat level to your liking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for portobello mushrooms, tofu, or a medley of other vegetables to create delicious vegetarian fajitas that still capture all the iconic flavors.
What type of tortillas work best?
Both flour and corn tortillas are excellent choices. Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, while corn tortillas add a slightly nutty flavor and more authentic texture depending on your preference.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp yet cooked?
Slicing vegetables thinly and cooking them over medium-high heat for a short time helps maintain their crunch while achieving that tender, sautéed flavor we all love in fajitas.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Homemade Chicken Fajitas Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines fresh ingredients, bold spices, and easy techniques to deliver a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or just treating yourself to a colorful, tasty dinner. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—once you try it, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Simple Homemade Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Simple Homemade Chicken Fajitas recipe features tender strips of marinated chicken sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfectly seasoned with fajita spices and fresh lime juice, these fajitas are a quick and flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast (Sliced into thin strips)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For sautéing and marinade)
- 2 tablespoons Fajita seasoning (Store-bought or homemade)
- to taste Salt (For seasoning)
- to taste Pepper (For seasoning)
Vegetables
- 1 each Red bell pepper (Sliced into strips)
- 1 each Yellow bell pepper (Sliced into strips)
- 1 each Green bell pepper (Sliced into strips)
- 1 medium Onion (Sliced into thin wedges)
To Serve
- 8 small Tortillas (Flour or corn)
- 1 each Fresh lime (Cut into wedges for serving)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by slicing the chicken breast into thin, uniform strips for even cooking. Set aside the sliced chicken.
- Slice Vegetables: Wash and slice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the onion into thin strips or wedges, maintaining similar sizes for consistent cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well to coat the chicken thoroughly. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil, swirling to coat the pan. Place the marinated chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and develops a golden-brown exterior.
- Sauté Vegetables: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss thoroughly to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Warm Tortillas: While the chicken and vegetables finish cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate pan over low heat or in the microwave until pliable and hot.
- Assemble Fajitas: Place a generous amount of the chicken and vegetable mixture on each warm tortilla. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the filling and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Fold the tortillas over the filling and serve immediately. Offer additional lime wedges and your favorite toppings if desired.
Notes
- You can customize the fajita seasoning to your preference or substitute with a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade.
- Use either flour or corn tortillas based on preference or dietary needs.
- Leftover chicken fajita filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Serve with sides like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa to enhance flavor.
