Hello fajita lovers! If you’re here looking for a delicious twist on a classic Mexican dish, you’ve come to the right place. This Chicken Fajitas Recipe is going to change the way you see fajitas forever. Whether you’re a long-time fan of chicken dishes or trying fajitas for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Introduction
Chicken fajitas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their simplicity and bold flavors. The sizzling skillet of chicken, peppers, and onions is a feast for the senses. Originally a dish made by Mexican cowboys, fajitas have become a beloved meal worldwide. They’re quick, easy to prepare, and perfect for a family dinner or a weekend get-together.
This chicken fajitas recipe is special because of the marinade. The flavors of lime, cumin, and garlic infuse the chicken, making it incredibly tender and juicy. Served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cheese, these fajitas will be a hit every time.
Ingredients for Chicken Fajitas
Here’s what you’ll need for the best Chicken Fajitas:
- 1½ pounds chicken thighs (substitute with chicken breasts if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if you prefer it spicy)
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 small bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for peppers and onions)
- 12 6-inch flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chipotle mayo
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How to Make Chicken Fajitas – Step by Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Slice the chicken thighs into 1-inch wide strips. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with lime juice, soy sauce, liquid smoke, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken strips to the hot pan in batches, ensuring they are spaced out to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2 minutes until the bottom is blackened. Add butter to the pan, flip the chicken, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Peppers and Onions
In the same skillet, add more vegetable oil and the sliced peppers and onions. Add the leftover chicken marinade to the pan, and sauté until the veggies are tender but still crisp (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 5: Assemble the Fajitas
Warm the tortillas in a clean skillet, adding cheese if desired. Serve the chicken and peppers in tortillas, topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
Helpful Tips for Chicken Fajitas
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 15 minutes, but overnight is best.
- High Heat Cooking: Use a cast iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan to get that perfect sear on the chicken. The high heat ensures the chicken stays juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside.
- Veggies: If you like your peppers and onions with a bit of crunch, cook them for less time. For softer veggies, let them sauté a bit longer.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Fajitas
- Cut Against the Grain: Always slice your chicken against the grain for the most tender pieces.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro elevate the flavors in this dish. Avoid bottled alternatives if possible.
- Liquid Smoke: This is the secret ingredient that adds a smoky depth of flavor, making these fajitas taste like they’ve been cooked over an open flame.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are best served with fresh flour tortillas and topped with traditional accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your fajitas experience:
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A perfect side dish that complements the citrusy flavors of the chicken.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a great contrast to the smoky, spicy fajitas.
- Fresh Margaritas: Pair your fajitas with a zesty margarita for a refreshing meal.
Nutritional Information
Chicken fajitas are a relatively healthy meal option, packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables.
Per Serving (without toppings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 30g
Storage and Leftovers for Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they might lose some of their crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chicken Fajitas
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts are a great substitute for thighs in this recipe. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly.
2. How do I make the fajitas spicier?
To kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or even fresh jalapeños to the marinade.
3. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a fantastic smoky flavor to the chicken, making it even more delicious.
4. What other toppings can I add to my fajitas?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Popular additions include pickled onions, shredded lettuce, salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Related Recipes for Chicken Fajitas Lovers
Here are two recipes you might enjoy if you love chicken fajitas:
Conclusion
This Chicken Fajitas Recipe has changed my mind about fajitas, and I hope it changes yours too! The smoky, tangy flavors in every bite will have you coming back for more. Let me know in the comments how your fajitas turned out and any fun twists you added to make the recipe your own.
Print
Chicken Fajitas Recipe – Best Homemade Fajitas Ever
Description
Hello fajita lovers! If you’re here looking for a delicious twist on a classic Mexican dish, you’ve come to the right place. This Chicken Fajitas Recipe is going to change the way you see fajitas forever. Whether you’re a long-time fan of chicken dishes or trying fajitas for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken thighs (substitute with chicken breasts if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if you prefer it spicy)
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 small bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for peppers and onions)
- 12 6-inch flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chipotle mayo
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Slice the chicken thighs into 1-inch wide strips. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with lime juice, soy sauce, liquid smoke, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken strips to the hot pan in batches, ensuring they are spaced out to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2 minutes until the bottom is blackened. Add butter to the pan, flip the chicken, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Peppers and Onions
In the same skillet, add more vegetable oil and the sliced peppers and onions. Add the leftover chicken marinade to the pan, and sauté until the veggies are tender but still crisp (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 5: Assemble the Fajitas
Warm the tortillas in a clean skillet, adding cheese if desired. Serve the chicken and peppers in tortillas, topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 15 minutes, but overnight is best.
- High Heat Cooking: Use a cast iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan to get that perfect sear on the chicken. The high heat ensures the chicken stays juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside.
- Veggies: If you like your peppers and onions with a bit of crunch, cook them for less time. For softer veggies, let them sauté a bit longer.
