These Chicken Fajitas are loaded with juicy and perfectly spiced chicken, sweet bell pepper, and onions. These are especially delicious wrapped in homemade Flour Tortillas. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is.

We love to recreate our favorite Mexican-inspired recipes, from Flan to Mexican Street Corn. If you are a fan of Mexican food, this Chicken Fajita recipe is a must-try!

Chicken fajitas served in a skillet with avocado and cilantro

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Chicken Fajitas

Like our Tostadas and Shrimp Fajitas, these Chicken Fajitas are an easy 30-minute weeknight meal that comes together in one skillet. They are loaded with protein and veggies and are so satisfying especially when you start adding Homemade Salsa, shredded cheese, and all the fixings.

What makes this recipe really stand out from the rest is the exciting flavor. It has the perfect blend of homemade chicken fajita seasoning that makes every bite delicious.

Chicken Fajitas Video

Watch Natasha make easy Chicken Fajitas. You will be surprised at how quick and easy it is. I could eat this for days and not get tired of it. Now go forth and cook some fajitas!

Ingredients

The key to making great fajitas is in the marinade. These are never bland or boring, but packed with flavor, from the chicken to the veggies as they take on all the spices left in the skillet.

  • Chicken breast – we use two chicken breasts and cut them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
  • Olive oil – for sauteeing and marinating the chicken
  • Lime juice – tenderizes the chicken and adds fresh flavor and vibrance. Keep in mind you’ll want more lime wedges for serving fajitas.
  • Fajita Seasoning – a perfect and flavorful blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper create the perfect homemade seasoning for fajitas.
  • Bell peppers – we used 3 different colors of bell pepper for color and variety, but you can use whatever bell peppers you have on hand.
  • Onion – use a medium yellow onion
  • Tortillas – we love using the smaller hand-held size and Homemade Tortillas are best if you have time to make them.
Ingredients for making fajitas with chicken, bell peppers, onion and spices

Pro Tip: Even though the chicken fajitas are well seasoned, they are pretty mild in spiciness. If you prefer spicier fajitas, add more chili powder to taste.

How to Make Chicken Fajitas

  1. Make Fajita Seasoning – in a small mixing bowl, add lime juice and olive oil along with your chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  2. Marinate chicken – cut chicken in half lengthwise, cover, and let it rest while you prep your veggies, or cover and refrigerate if you are doing this step ahead.
  3. Prep Veggies – thinly slice your bell peppers and onions into 1/4″ thick slices. See the photo tutorial below for a reference on how to slice vegetables for fajitas.
  4. Sautee chicken – Set a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add oil and sautee chicken for 3-5 minutes or until 165˚F on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for a few minutes.
  5. Sautee vegetables – Add more oil to the pan and saute onions and bell peppers, stirring occasionally and scraping the pan to pick up the seasonings and flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine – Slice chicken against the grain, add it back to the pan, and stir to combine. Cover to keep warm until ready to serve.
How to marinate chicken for fajitas

Pro Tip: Since the chicken has so much flavoring, it really doesn’t need more than 15 minutes of marinating time. If you prefer, you can cover the marinated chicken and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking.

Step by step how to make chicken fajitas in a skillet

How to Heat Tortillas

Warmed tortillas are tastier and easier to wrap around your warm fajita filling. There are several quick and easy methods. Our favorite is the gas flame or a griddle when serving a larger crowd. These methods work for storebought or homemade flour tortillas, or even corn tortillas.

  • Gas stove – Turn your burner on to medium/low. Set a tortilla over the grates and rotate every 5 seconds. Flip as soon as you see any blackened spots on the first side. Repeat with the second side. Do not walk away from it as it burns fast.
  • Griddle – set the griddle to medium/high heat and toast the tortillas for 15-20 seconds per side until golden and heated through.
  • Skillet – we prefer a cast iron skillet but any pan will do. Toast the tortillas over medium/high heat for 15-30 seconds per side.
  • To keep tortillas warm – Wrap tortillas in a dry kitchen towel right off the heat. This will keep them warm and prevent them from drying out.

The Best Fajita Toppings

There are so many delicious ways to dress up your chicken fajitas. You can even build a fabulous topping bar. You can’t go wrong with any of these options:

  • Lime Wedges – to squeeze over fajitas
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Shredded cheese (try cheddar or Mexican cheese)
  • Guacamole or Sliced Avocado
  • Iceberg Lettuce, chopped
  • Roasted Salsa
  • Sour Cream
  • Cilantro sprigs
Chicken fajita served in a flour tortilla with sauces

Common Questions

Can I use a store-bought fajita seasoning?

You can substitute with your favorite store-bought fajita seasoning (although I would argue our homemade version is better).

Can I Substitute the chicken?

You can substitute with chicken tenders or even trimmed chicken thighs. If you’re looking to change up the meat, try our Shrimp Fajitas.

What is the best skillet for fajitas?

Use a large, heavy pan. We prefer a coated cast iron pan which is non-reactive (keep in mind there is lime juice in the chicken marinade). That said, I have cooked this in a regular cast iron pan and it still worked. A heavy stainless steel or even a non-stick pan will also work.

What is the right way to cut bell peppers and onions for fajitas?

We like to cut our bell peppers into thin 1/4″ strips with grain. The same goes for onions. If you cut onions with the grain, you get a sweeter and milder onion flavor and it’s more visually appealing for sauteeing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double but I suggest using at least a 12-inch skillet (you will need to cook the chicken in batches) or cooking in 2 separate skillets for best results.

How to cut a bell pepper and onion for fajitas

Make-Ahead Tips

  • To Refrigerate: You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours ahead of time. Since there is lime juice in the marinade, I would not recommend marinating for longer than 4 hours. If refrigerating the cooked chicken fajita mixture, cover and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: You can combine the raw chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe zip bag, squeeze out the extra air and freeze for 2-3 months. Freeze right away without marinating and it will marinate plenty as it thaws. We did the same with our Moroccan Chicken. It’s a great option for meal planning.
  • To Reheat: It’s best to reheat leftovers the same way the recipe was cooked. Set the fajita mixture on a skillet over medium/low heat and saute until hot, stirring frequently.
Up close cooked chicken fajita mixture with limes

I hope these Chicken Fajitas become a go-to dinner option for you. If you want to change up your Taco Tuesday routine, then this is an excellent choice.

More Mexican Recipes

My husband and I fell in love with Mexican food on our honeymoon in Mexico almost 20 years ago and we’ve been re-creating our favorites ever since. The flavors are so exciting and we enjoy the variety of dishes. If you liked this Chicken Fajita recipe, then you won’t want to miss these top-rated Mexican-inspired dishes:

Chicken Fajitas Recipe

4.99 from 113 votes
Chicken fajitas served out of a skillet with tortillas and sauces
These Chicken Fajitas are loaded with juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers and onion with tons of flavor from the homemade fajita seasoning. Wrap these up in warm Flour Tortillas, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and add cilantro and your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 people (makes 8 fajitas)

For the Chicken Fajitas:

Options to Serve:

  • lime wedges, to squeeze over fajitas
  • cilantro, to garnish
  • sour cream
  • Pico de gallo, or salsa
  • Guacamole , or sliced avocado
  • shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Mexican Cheese

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl add 2 Tbsp oil, 2 Tbsp lime juice, and all of the seasonings: chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise and add cutlets to the seasoning mix, turning to evenly coat. Set that aside while you prep the remaining veggies. You can marinate for up to 4 hours.
  • Cut bell peppers and onions into 1/4” thin slices, cutting with the grain.
  • Set a large heavy skillet (such as cast iron) over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp oil then add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-5 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through to 165˚F in the center on an instant-read thermometer. Cook in batches if needed. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest while you cook the vegetables.
  • In the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp oil then add the onion and bell peppers and sauté until softened and browned in spots, about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • While the veggies are cooking, slice the chicken into strips against the grain. When the veggies are done, add the chicken back to the pan, stir to combine, and remove from heat.
  • Serve over warmed tortillas with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, garnished with cilantro and your favorite toppings.

Notes

Note: The nutrition label does not include options for toppings as that will vary depending on what you are using. 

Nutrition Per Serving

417kcal Calories40g Carbs19g Protein21g Fat4g Saturated Fat3g Polyunsaturated Fat12g Monounsaturated Fat0.01g Trans Fat36mg Cholesterol1104mg Sodium569mg Potassium5g Fiber7g Sugar3218IU Vitamin A119mg Vitamin C116mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
417
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
12
g
Cholesterol
 
36
mg
12
%
Sodium
 
1104
mg
48
%
Potassium
 
569
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
40
g
13
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Protein
 
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
 
3218
IU
64
%
Vitamin C
 
119
mg
144
%
Calcium
 
116
mg
12
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chicken fajita recipe, chicken fajitas
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 417
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.99 from 113 votes (40 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Laura
    January 28, 2024

    The dish turned out absolutely delicious!! Didn’t have to change anything in the recipe.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 28, 2024

      Thank you, Laure for sharing! We’re so glad that you liked it!

      Reply

  • Lena
    January 23, 2024

    “With chicken like this, who needs steak!?” – my husband. Safe to say, these fajitas exceeded expectations! I used to meat thermometer to make sure I did not overcook the chicken.. It was so tender and flavorful!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 23, 2024

      Hi Lena! That’s wonderful. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply

  • Lynn Kidder
    January 13, 2024

    In my 59 years, I have eaten lots of fajitas… yours is the BEST!!! OMG!… TY!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 13, 2024

      Hi Lynn! That’s so great to hear.

      Reply

  • Frannie Woolford
    January 11, 2024

    This recipe was amazing!
    Was wondering if this could be used with flank steak to make steak fajitas?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 11, 2024

      Hi Frannie! I’m so glad you loved it. You can swap out if you’d like.

      Reply

  • Debralee
    January 3, 2024

    Great recipe and the video is very helpful. We’ve made chicken fajitas before but this will be replacing our previous recipe. Whole family loved it!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 3, 2024

      That’s wonderful, DebraLee! So glad you found this recipe.

      Reply

  • Amanda
    January 2, 2024

    HI Natasha, I love your recipes. Can I marinate the chicken strips for around 20 hours? I don’t have enough time when I get home from work to make the recipe without doing meal prep the night before. Thank you.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 2, 2024

      Hi Amanda! That would be fine. I hope you love the recipe!

      Reply

  • Pete
    December 13, 2023

    Natasha I absolutely love your recipes but my gosh your website is about as bad as it gets, especially on my phone. Just non-stop refreshing and a bombardment of ads. I know you need it for income but there’s has to be a better way.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 14, 2023

      Thank you for sharing your concerns and feedback. The only way we can continue providing free recipes is by having ads on our site, so we are not able to remove those at this time. We find that most people would rather see the ads than pay to see the recipes. But we will definitely take note of your feedback and use it to improve our website.

      I appreciate your feedback, and I hope you love every recipe you try.

      Reply

      • Kara
        February 16, 2024

        I love and appreciate your recipes as well! But the ad refresh in particular does make it quite hard to keep your place and follow (or even just read) the recipe. Definitely understand the needs for ads and support their use but maybe there’s a way to have them not interrupt the flow of the page and cause a refresh issue? Just a gentle well-intentioned suggestion 🙂

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          February 19, 2024

          Hi Kara, thank you for your feedback. You should be able to close the ads after a while, does closing them work?

          Reply

  • D Clayton
    December 10, 2023

    These fajitas were so good!!
    The seasoning is perfect. I marinated the chicken per the recipe and topped the tacos with sour cream, guacamole, homemade roasted salsa with fresh cilantro, and a spritz of lime. I has shredded cheese, but forgot to add it. They were de-lish! One thing I did that raised the flavor was that I warmed the tortillas with a bit of canola oil in the same pan the fajitas were cooked in. The extra step is so worth it! Thanks Natasha and hubby!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 10, 2023

      You’re so welcome. I’m so happy to know that you loved the fajitas a lot!

      Reply

  • Brenda
    October 29, 2023

    I made this recipe last Sunday, and I am making it again today. I used skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. This recipe is delicious the lime make it even better.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 29, 2023

      Glad that you loved our recipe, Brenda!

      Reply

  • Yolanda M
    October 23, 2023

    I’m Hispanic and have tried variations of chicken fajita seasonings through the years. I have to say that Natasha’s combination is one of the best I’ve ever made. I didn’t use quite as much lime in the marinade and added a little chile powder; other than that, followed the recipe. Don’t worry about the chicken bits that stick to the bottom of the pan. As Natasha says in her video, they will “come up” once the veggies begin to release liquid.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 23, 2023

      Hi Yolanda! That’s wonderful, thank you for the feedback. I’m so glad you loved the recipe. My family loves this too!

      Reply

  • Step-Jeff
    September 20, 2023

    I have a “go to” channel I normally use for most mexican recipes. I found chicken fajitas over there & they looked good etc. However, I decided to compare with another recipe & remembered this channel (which I have used before & subsequently subscribed to). I ended up going with Natasha’s which was very straightforward & actually looked even better than the other recipe I was considering. Bottom line: I was able to totally pull it off & my family thoroughly enjoyed it stating, “put it on the rotation”. I served it with mexican rice. I’m very grateful for this channel & will be returning 🙏.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 20, 2023

      That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad it made it to the rotation.

      Reply

  • Regina Beckham
    September 15, 2023

    Does it make any difference if you use chicken already cut into strips from grocery stores?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 15, 2023

      Hi Regina! You can, but it’s easy to overcook and dry out. That’s why we like to use chicken breast and then cut them into strips.

      Reply

  • Carol
    September 5, 2023

    Oh my goodness! This is the best chicken fajita recipe! I used chicken tenderloins so it was extra easy. Marinated the chicken about an hour and that was perfect! Thank you for a delicious recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 5, 2023

      You’re welcome, Carol. So happy to hear that you loved this recipe so much!

      Reply

      • Ron J Quigley
        September 8, 2023

        You always make splitting the chicken breasts into cutlets look so easy ! How many takes do you have to do before you actually get it right ? Cuz I’m terrible at it !

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          September 8, 2023

          Haha. It took a little while. You can get there too, with practice!

          Reply

  • Andrea
    August 24, 2023

    Every time I follow your recipes I feel like I’m a really good cook! This recipe is amazing, chicken was tender and flavorful, pepper and onion picked up the flavorful glaze, just perfect. I’ve made pico de gallo and add sour cream to complete…the best ever. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2023

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Andrea. I’m all smiles

      Reply

  • Liz
    August 10, 2023

    This was absolutely delicious!! It was easy & beautiful. For toppings we had limes, cilantro & lime crema, avos, cotija & sharp cheese and of course salsa! My family loved every bite! Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 10, 2023

      Sounds yummy and we’re glad tha tyou all enjoyed our Chicken Fajitas Recipe!

      Reply

  • Martha
    June 25, 2023

    This is so very good, the seasonings are just right. I haven’t cooked fajitas at home in a very long time and these were great.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 26, 2023

      That’s great, Martha! Thank you for trying my recipe.

      Reply

  • Karin
    June 23, 2023

    I made your chicken fajitas today for lunch, and it was so good. My husband can’t have much sodium, and with this recipe we didn’t miss it. My son asked me 3 times to make them again. I made some flatbread to use instead of tortillas. For some reason tortillas a very expensive here in Hawaii. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 23, 2023

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new family favorite, Karin! If you’re looking to make your own, we have this awesome Soft Flour Tortillas Recipe you will love!

      Reply

  • Judy Der
    June 21, 2023

    I made this recipe as you described it. So fantastically delicious! I love your enthusiasm and energy in your kitchen! Keep up the excellent work on inspirational videos for amazing recipes!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 21, 2023

      Hi Judy! Thank you so much for your love and support! I’m glad you are loving the recipes!

      Reply

  • Joyce Eva Lachance
    June 15, 2023

    can I use lemon juice instead of lime as I don’t have limes love all your recipes

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 15, 2023

      Hi Joyce, we prefer it with lime, but that should work. I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Karen
    June 10, 2023

    Best chicken fajita recipe ever, look no further! Followed this recipe exactly and marinated the chicken for one hour. So flavorful and delicious! Looking forward to having the leftover for lunch today! 😊

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 10, 2023

      Hi Karen! That’s great to hear. Thank you for trying my recipes. I’m so glad it was a hit!

      Reply

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