This bold and vibrant Chicken Fajita recipe draws inspiration from Tex-Mex cuisine, blending Mexican zest with American flair. The combination of seared chicken strips, caramelized peppers, and onions served sizzling hot evokes memories of bustling cantinas and festive gatherings. Balanced with citrus, herbs, and a whisper of smoke, this dish is a weeknight hero and weekend showstopper alike.
1 ½poundsboneless, skinless chicken breastscut into 1/2-inch strips
2tablespoonsolive oilextra virgin preferred
1tablespoonlime juicefreshly squeezed
2teaspoonsground cumin
1 ½teaspoonssmoked paprika
1teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoonkosher salt
For the Vegetables:
1mediumred bell pepperthinly sliced
1mediumgreen bell pepperthinly sliced
1mediumyellow onionhalved and thinly sliced
To Serve:
8piecesflour tortillas6-inch, warmed
½cupsour creamor Greek yogurt
½cupguacamoleoptional
¼cupfresh cilantrochopped
1mediumlimecut into wedges
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Add chicken strips and toss until well-coated. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if needed. Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized with charred edges. Return the chicken to the pan. Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Serve chicken and veggies directly from the skillet or on a platter surrounded by your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
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Notes
For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your marinade.
To make it dairy-free, swap sour cream for a plant-based yogurt.