Save This vibrant chicken fajita recipe brings sizzling Tex-Mex flavors to your table with everyday ingredients. Marinated strips of chicken cook up juicy alongside rainbow bell peppers and sweet onions, all finished with a bright and creamy lime crema that brings every bite to life. It is a weeknight go-to that always delivers comfort and excitement.
My kitchen has seen these fajitas on lazy Friday evenings and big family celebrations alike. The aroma that fills the house is pure happiness and the lime crema—well, I have caught people licking the bowl.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: brings lean protein that stays juicy when cut into thin strips look for chicken that is pink with no strong odor
- Olive oil: helps everything sear and keeps things moist use a quality extra-virgin for best flavor
- Red yellow and green bell peppers: each add subtle sweetness and a pop of color choose firm glossy peppers with no soft spots
- Large red onion: adds gentle bite and caramelized sweetness brightening the finished dish look for onions that feel heavy for their size
- Garlic: infuses savory depth and rounds out the spices use plump fresh cloves for best results
- Chili powder: gives the dish its Tex-Mex soul choose a mild or spicy blend based on your taste
- Ground cumin: adds a soft earthy warmth crucial for that fajita savor
- Smoked paprika: layers in a subtle rustic smokiness opt for a Spanish variety if possible
- Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper: balance and brighten the seasoning mix use fresh dried herbs for the most robust flavor
- Fresh lime juice: lifts all the flavors and ensures the chicken and veggies taste lively use plump limes that give slightly to a gentle squeeze
- Sour cream: becomes velvety and tangy when mixed with lime provides a cooling counterpoint to spices
- Lime zest and juice: intensify the cream's freshness always zest before juicing
- Chopped cilantro: adds herbaceous lift use bright green leaves with no wilting
- A pinch of salt: sharpens every element
- Small flour or corn tortillas: are classics for wrapping everything up corn means gluten free
- Extra cilantro and lime wedges: make everything look and taste even bolder use the freshest available
Instructions
- Make the Seasoning Mix:
- In a small bowl combine chili powder cumin smoked paprika dried oregano salt and black pepper Mix very thoroughly with a fork so every bit of spice is blended This ensures even seasoning and no flavor gaps
- Season the Chicken:
- Place sliced chicken in a large mixing bowl Drizzle with one tablespoon olive oil and scatter the freshly blended seasoning mix Toss everything together until all the chicken strips look evenly coated Each piece should take on a deep rusty color
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil in your largest sturdy skillet over medium high When the oil shimmers add the chicken in a single uncrowded layer Let it sit for a minute or two before stirring then sauté for about five to six minutes The goal is juicy cooked chicken with a golden sear Remove the chicken to a plate but keep the flavorful oil in the pan
- Sauté the Peppers and Onion:
- In the same hot skillet add all the sliced peppers and onion Stir frequently for five to seven minutes until they look soft at the edges and a bit charred This char builds classic fajita flavor Add minced garlic and cook just until you smell its sweet aroma about a minute
- Finish with Lime:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the peppers and onion Squeeze the juice of one lime directly over everything Toss well and let it heat through for another minute or two This step fuses all the flavors and makes sure nothing is dry
- Make the Lime Crema:
- While the skillet does its work combine the sour cream lime zest lime juice chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt in a small bowl Whisk until completely creamy and dreamy Taste and add a touch more salt or lime if you want extra zing
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Quickly warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for a minute per side or wrapped in foil in a low oven This softens them and brings out their aroma Never underestimate hot tortillas
- Serve Everything Up:
- Fill each warm tortilla with the chicken pepper and onion mixture Drizzle with generous lime crema and top with fresh cilantro leaves and an extra lime wedge for squeezing The real fun is piling it all together at the table
Save Every time I make this I look forward to the smoked paprika and charred peppers Those smoky notes transport me back to the first Tex-Mex grill I ever visited where the sizzle and aroma of fajitas at the next table always made my mouth water This recipe brings that experience home and makes it easy enough to enjoy on a whim
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate in airtight containers The chicken and veggies will keep fresh for three days The lime crema stays smooth and tangy in a covered jar for up to a week Reheat the fajita mixture gently in a skillet or microwave just until hot For meal prep store tortillas and toppings separately so nothing gets soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite or swap in turkey or thin sliced beef Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter but still creamy lime crema Vegetarians will love seasoned strips of tofu or meaty mushrooms Use whatever color peppers you have and try sweet white or yellow onion if red is not available
Serving Suggestions
Set out all the components for a fajita bar with extra salsa diced avocado or guacamole pickled jalapenos shredded lettuce or cotija cheese For a lighter meal serve the chicken and veggies over a crisp salad or in lettuce cups If you are feeling festive try pairing with rice and beans and a refreshing pitcher of agua fresca
Save The lime crema lasts longer than you think so swirl a spoonful into soups or over roasted veggies for a fresh twist. Fajitas bring instant smiles any time you gather around the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños to the skillet or a pinch of cayenne to the spice mix for more heat.
- → Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream for the crema?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in the lime crema for a lighter option.
- → What's the best method for warming tortillas?
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap in foil and heat in the oven until soft.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Opt for corn tortillas instead of flour, and always double-check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with sautéed black beans, rice, crisp salad, or refreshing drinks like Mexican lager or Sauvignon Blanc.
- → How can I lower the carbs?
Serve the chicken and vegetables over lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb meal.