Save Easy Chicken Fajitas are a quick and flavorful Tex-Mex classic that brings the sizzle of a restaurant grill right to your kitchen. Featuring tender chicken breasts, vibrant bell peppers, and savory onions, this meal is as eye-catching as it is delicious. In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table that the whole family will enjoy.
Save The secret to these fajitas lies in the quick marinade and the high-heat sauté. By thinly slicing the chicken and vegetables, you ensure everything cooks quickly and evenly, picking up those desirable charred edges that define great fajitas. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or looking for a fast meal, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken slices and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Cook Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed, then sauté the bell peppers and onion for 4-5 minutes until just tender and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Combine
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss with vegetables for 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through.
- Step 5: Warm Tortillas
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Step 6: Serve
- Serve chicken and vegetables in tortillas. Add fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or cheese as desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To get the best results, use a heavy skillet like cast iron to achieve a nice char on the peppers and onions. If you prefer your vegetables softer, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes. Make sure the chicken is sliced into even strips so that every piece finishes cooking at the same time.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also swap the chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu for variation. For a low-carb option, serve the fajita mixture in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these fajitas family-style on a large platter with separate bowls for toppings like guacamole, fresh lime wedges, and shredded cheese. Pair them with Mexican rice or black beans for a complete and hearty Tex-Mex feast.
Save These Easy Chicken Fajitas are a testament to how simple ingredients can create deep, complex flavors in no time. With 27g of protein per serving and a colorful array of vegetables, it's a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste. Enjoy your homemade Tex-Mex night!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I prepare the chicken marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and the longer marination will make the chicken even more flavorful and tender.
- → What's the best way to get charred vegetables without overcooking them?
Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the peppers and onions in a single layer, stirring only occasionally to allow them to develop a nice char while staying crisp-tender.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy. They may take an additional 2-3 minutes to cook through completely.
- → How do I warm tortillas without drying them out?
Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or heat them individually in a dry skillet for about 15 seconds per side. Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
- → What other proteins work well for fajitas?
Beef steak strips, shrimp, or even portobello mushrooms are excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks in 3-4 minutes, while steak needs 4-5 minutes for medium doneness.
- → Can I make these fajitas on an outdoor grill?
Yes! Grill the marinated chicken and vegetables on skewers or in a grill basket over medium-high heat. The smoky flavor from the grill adds another delicious dimension to the dish.