Save Bring the sizzle of a Tex-Mex restaurant straight to your kitchen with these Easy Chicken Fajitas. This dish is a celebration of vibrant colors and bold spices, featuring tender strips of chicken breast nestled among charred bell peppers and onions, all ready in just 30 minutes.
Save The magic starts with a simple marinade of lime juice and smoky paprika that infuses the chicken with zest and depth, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 500 g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 large onion, all sliced
- Marinade & Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and the juice of 1 lime
- To Serve: 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free), plus optional cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken slices and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Step 2: Cook the Protein
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed, then sauté the bell peppers and onion for 4-5 minutes until they are just tender and show slight charring.
- Step 4: Combine
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes to combine and ensure everything is heated through.
- Step 5: Prepare Tortillas
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Step 6: Serve
- Serve the hot chicken and vegetables inside the tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese as desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To get a beautiful sear on the chicken and peppers, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if your skillet is small. Ensure the pan is very hot before adding the ingredients to achieve that signature smoky fajita flavor.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can easily swap the chicken for beef strips, shrimp, or firm tofu. For a gluten-free version, simply use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these fajitas family-style with small bowls of guacamole and extra lime wedges. A side of Mexican rice or seasoned black beans complements the meal perfectly, making it a complete and satisfying feast.
Save Quick, healthy, and bursting with Tex-Mex soul, these fajitas are a reliable go-to for any night of the week when you want a meal that feels like a celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I prepare the chicken marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, which will actually enhance the flavors and make the chicken even more tender.
- → What's the best way to slice chicken for fajitas?
Slice the chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips about 1/4-inch thick. For easier slicing, place the chicken in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm it up slightly before cutting.
- → Can I make this with other proteins?
Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with beef strips, shrimp, or even tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp takes about 3-4 minutes per side, while beef may need 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.
- → How do I prevent my vegetables from getting too soft?
Cook the peppers and onions over medium-high heat for just 4-5 minutes. They should still have a slight crunch and charred edges. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of sautéing.
- → What are the best toppings for chicken fajitas?
Classic toppings include sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. For extra zest, add pickled jalapeños, lime wedges, or a drizzle of hot sauce to customize each serving.
- → Can I make these fajitas gluten-free?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. All other ingredients in this preparation are naturally gluten-free, but always verify spice blend labels to ensure no hidden gluten additives.