Introduction
Few dishes can rival the sizzling, colorful appeal of Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions. This Tex-Mex classic is vibrant, full of flavor, and wonderfully versatile. Imagine tender strips of chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, and spices, quickly seared to juicy perfection, then tossed with sweet, caramelized bell peppers and onions. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Fajitas are the perfect example of how fresh ingredients, bold spices, and quick cooking techniques can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, they make for a fun, interactive meal that’s as enjoyable to assemble as it is to eat.
Why We Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and sweet, crisp vegetables, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Every bite is a mix of textures and tastes—tender chicken, slightly charred bell peppers and onions, and whatever toppings you love, from guacamole to salsa. It’s like a fiesta in every bite!
Another reason I adore this recipe is how quick, easy, and versatile it is. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time for extra flavor, or toss everything together for a fast weeknight dinner. It’s also endlessly customizable: switch up the peppers, add mushrooms or zucchini, or even make it vegetarian with beans or tofu.
I also love that this recipe is fun and interactive. Serving fajitas family-style allows everyone to assemble their own, making mealtime more social and enjoyable. The sizzling sound of chicken and vegetables cooking in the skillet always makes the kitchen feel alive, and the aroma is irresistible.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions are a must-try because they perfectly capture the vibrant flavors and textures of Mexican cuisine in a simple, approachable dish. The juicy, marinated chicken combined with sweet, slightly charred bell peppers and onions creates a flavor-packed filling that’s both satisfying and colorful.
This dish is also a must-try because of its versatility and fun factor. Served with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, everyone can customize their fajita exactly how they like it. It’s interactive, hands-on eating that makes meals more engaging and enjoyable—perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or Taco Tuesdays.
Another reason it stands out is how quick and easy it is to prepare without compromising on flavor. The marinade infuses the chicken with spices, while the sizzling vegetables add a delicious char and crunch, resulting in a dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories (per serving): ~350 kcal (without tortillas and toppings)
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Cooking Method: Pan-searing / Stir-fry
- Course: Main course
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For Serving:
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
- Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro (optional)
Directions / Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions, season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are tender-crisp with light char marks.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add marinated chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
4. Combine & Heat Through
- Return the peppers and onions to the skillet with the chicken.
- Toss together for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve
- Transfer to a warm serving dish or serve sizzling in the skillet.
- Serve with warm tortillas and toppings of your choice.
How to Serve
- Serve family-style with tortillas in a basket, toppings in small bowls, and the sizzling fajita mix in the center.
- For an extra restaurant touch, heat the skillet until very hot, add a splash of lime juice, and serve while still sizzling.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of orange juice to the marinade for subtle sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, steak, or portobello mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
- Meal Prep: Slice vegetables and marinate chicken the night before.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked fajitas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze marinated uncooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw before cooking. Cooked fajita filling can be frozen for 1–2 months but may lose some texture in peppers.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Sharp knife for slicing vegetables and meat
- Mixing bowl for marinade
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Conclusion
Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions are the perfect combination of fresh, colorful ingredients and bold Tex-Mex flavor. Quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, they’re endlessly versatile and full of sizzling charm. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly earn a place in your regular meal rotation.
Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions
Description
Imagine tender strips of chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, and spices, quickly seared to juicy perfection, then tossed with sweet, caramelized bell peppers and onions. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
For the Chicken Marinade:
For the Chicken Marinade
For the Vegetables:
For Serving:
Instructions
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1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
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2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are tender-crisp with light char marks.Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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3. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
-
4. Combine & Heat Through: Return the peppers and onions to the skillet with the chicken. Toss together for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
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5. Serve:Transfer to a warm serving dish or serve sizzling in the skillet. Serve with warm tortillas and toppings of your choice.
Note
A vibrant Tex-Mex favorite, Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions combine tender, marinated chicken with colorful veggies, all served sizzling hot for a fun, flavorful, and healthy meal.