For years I didn’t “get” fajitas. Go all the way to a restaurant so I can assemble my own food? Nah. Furthermore, they’re filled with bell peppers which, up until my 30s, I couldn’t even look at in the grocery store. Impressive yet easy, and just like hearing then smelling those sizzling platters before they hit your table at a restaurant, this easy chicken fajitas recipe will make your mouth water!
Watch How to Make Them
Skip the Marinade!
The first time I attempted to make Chicken Fajitas at home was a disaster. After mixing up a chili powder-based marinade then searing everything over high heat, the marinade burned and the resulting dish tasted nothing like the fajitas we order from our favorite Mexican restaurant. Fajitas are simply stripped grilled meat and vegetables and a marinade covers up the craveable, smoky flavor of seared chicken and caramelized veggies. It’s complicating something that’s inherently simple.
Easy Fajita Seasoning Mix
That said, all you need to achieve chicken fajitas that taste like a restaurant’s is a basic seasoning mix including everyday spices and ingredients: This simple seasoning mix lets you taste the fajita ingredients — chicken, peppers, onions, and mushrooms — and not the marinade. So easy, and so good!
Tips for The Best Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are quick-cooking and straight forward. That said there are a few things to keep in mind when whipping them up: Craving shrimp fajitas instead? Swap the chicken for a pound of shrimp. Or try my recipe for Steak Fajitas if you’re in the mood for beef!
How to Make Chicken Fajitas
Step 1: Prep the vegetables
Start by thinly slicing bell peppers, a large onion, and mushrooms. My favorite restaurant’s fajitas contain tomatoes, but I swapped them for mushrooms since tomatoes can easily turn to mush when seared over high heat.
Step 2: Slice and season the chicken breasts
Next, thinly slice chicken breasts. The best way to cut chicken breasts for fajitas is to slice each breast in half widthwise to create cutlets, then thinly slice each cutlet into strips. This way, the chicken is the same width and size as the bell peppers and onions which makes for a nice eating experience. Season the chicken strips with homemade seasoned salt, and a dash each of cumin and smoked paprika then mix to coat.
Step 3: Sear the vegetables
In a large, 12+ cast iron skillet, heat vegetable oil until it begins to smoke — turn on the hood vent! Add 1/3 of the vegetables then season with homemade seasoned salt, a dash of cumin, and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Let the vegetables sit undisturbed in the skillet until the bottoms have seared, then mix with tongs and continue to saute until they’re crisp-tender. Remove the veggies to a plate then sear the remaining vegetables in two batches, heating the oil first before adding then seasoning with seasoned salt, cumin, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Sear the chicken
Last step is to heat more oil in the skillet then add the seasoned chicken. Add a drizzle of lemon juice then saute until the chicken is cooked through, 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Mix then serve
Lastly, add the seared vegetables back into the skillet then toss to heat through. That’s all she wrote — so easy, right?
What to Serve With Chicken Fajitas
Like most Tex-Mex meals, what makes fajitas even more satisfying is that they’re surrounded on a platter with goodies. Here are some ideas for garnishes and sides.
Toppings: Sour cream, shredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo Creamy Pinto Beans Restaurant Style Salsa Mexican Rice Cuban-Style Black Beans Cilantro-Lime Rice Quick Guacamole
Serve the chicken fajitas + fixins with warmed corn tortillas, or your favorite flour-style tortillas. I like Mission Gluten Free Tortillas.
However you serve them, I hope you love every last drop of this easy chicken fajitas recipe — enjoy!
More Tex-Mex Favorites
Steak Fajitas Cheese Enchiladas with Red Sauce Large Batch Homemade Taco Seasoning Crock Pot Salsa Chicken How to Cook Ground Beef Like a Restaurant Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
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