Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Fajita Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, warmed)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup guacamole
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add sliced chicken and coat well.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken & Veggies (Choose One Method!)
🔥 Stovetop (Quick & Easy!)
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil and sauté bell peppers & onions for 5-6 minutes until tender.
- Return chicken to the pan, toss everything together, and cook for 1 more minute.
🔥 Grilled (For Smoky Flavor!)
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Grill bell peppers & onions in a grill basket or on skewers until softened.
- Slice grilled chicken into strips and toss with grilled veggies.
🔥 Oven-Baked (Set & Forget!)
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Arrange chicken, bell peppers, and onions on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra char.
3. Serve & Enjoy!
- Warm tortillas on a dry pan or directly over the flame.
- Fill with chicken & veggies.
- Top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice over and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Fajitas:
✔ Marinate for deeper flavor – Even 30 minutes makes a difference!
✔ Use smoked paprika – Adds an authentic, smoky touch.
✔ Grill for restaurant-style taste – Charcoal grilling enhances the flavor.
✔ Sauté onions last – This keeps them slightly crisp for the best texture.
✔ Warm tortillas before serving – This makes them soft and pliable.
