Pin This The first time I made fajitas was during a chaotic Tuesday when I had zero energy but a family to feed. That sizzle of peppers hitting the hot pan somehow saved the entire evening, and now it is my go-to for nights that need rescuing.
Last summer my neighbor popped over right as I was taking the chicken off the heat, and she ended up staying for dinner. We stood around the stove building our own fajitas and talking until the tortillas ran completely out.
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Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Slice them against the grain so they stay tender and absorb all that marinade
- Bell peppers: The mix of red yellow and green makes the final dish look incredibly vibrant on the plate
- Onion: Sweet onions caramelize beautifully alongside the peppers
- Chili powder: This builds the classic Tex-Mex flavor foundation everyone recognizes
- Ground cumin: Adds that earthy warmth that makes fajitas taste authentic
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth without needing a grill
- Lime juice: The acidity cuts through the rich spices and brightens every bite
- Tortillas: Warm them properly so they fold without cracking or falling apart
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Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Whisk together the olive oil and spices in a large bowl, then add the sliced chicken and toss until every piece is coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you chop the vegetables.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is properly hot. Add the marinated chicken in batches and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the sliced peppers and onion to the same hot skillet. Cook them for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp with some nice charred edges developing.
- Combine everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables and toss together for 1-2 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld and ensures everything is heated through.
- Warm the tortillas:
- Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. They should be pliable and slightly toasted with small brown spots appearing.
- Build and serve:
- Bring everything to the table and let everyone assemble their own fajitas. Set out bowls of fresh cilantro sour cream salsa and shredded cheese for topping.
Pin This My kids now request this for their birthday dinner every year without fail. Something about building their own perfect plate makes them eat way more vegetables than usual.
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Making It Your Own
The beauty of fajitas is how easily they adapt to whatever you have in the refrigerator or whatever your family prefers eating.
Perfect Pairings
A simple Mexican rice or refried beans on the side turns these into a complete meal that feels like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Make Ahead Magic
You can slice the vegetables and mix the marinade up to a day in advance. Keep everything separate in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
- Double the chicken and freeze half in the marinade for another night
- Set up a fajita bar for parties and let guests customize their plates
- Warm tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft longer
Pin This These fajitas have saved countless weeknight dinners in my house and always disappear faster than I expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I add more heat to my fajitas?
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade. Sliced jalapeños can also be sautéed with the bell peppers and onions for an extra layer of warmth.
- → What other proteins work well in this dish?
This preparation is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef (like skirt or flank steak), shrimp, or even firm tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen protein.
- → Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Absolutely. You can slice all your vegetables and chicken ahead of time. The chicken can also be marinated for up to 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. This makes assembly and cooking much faster when you're ready to eat.
- → How can I make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To ensure this meal is gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. All other ingredients in the main dish are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for seasonings and sauces.
- → What are some recommended toppings or serving suggestions?
Classic toppings include fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and your favorite salsa. For extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lime juice is excellent. Shredded cheese and homemade guacamole also make fantastic additions.
- → Is it possible to cook this on a grill?
Yes, absolutely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor. You can grill the marinated chicken strips and the sliced peppers and onions in a grill basket or on skewers. Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for best results.
