Fajitas are one of the most popular and versatile dishes in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and soft tortillas, they make for a perfect family meal, a quick dinner, or even a dish to impress guests. Below, I share a simple recipe along with tips, variations, and serving ideas to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any colors), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 8 soft tortillas

How to Make Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Step 1: Marinate the chicken
In a zip-top bag or bowl, combine chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and peppers. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Combine and serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the lime juice, and toss everything together. Serve hot in warmed tortillas, which can be heated in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or briefly over a gas flame for char marks. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Fajitas

• Marinate ahead: Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor significantly.
• Uniform cuts: Cutting the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized strips ensures even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to get nicely browned, crispy edges.
• Customize: Adjust spices according to your taste—add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or more lime for acidity.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Fajitas: Replace chicken with sliced mushrooms, tofu, or additional vegetables like zucchini or squash.
• Different meats: Use beef strips or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Extra toppings: Add sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas and Sides

Fajitas are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Tortillas: Use flour, corn, or whole wheat tortillas, warmed up for better softness.
• Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh salad, or pico de gallo.
• Dips and sauces: Complement with salsa, guacamole, or a tangy yogurt-cilantro sauce.

Skillet chicken fajitas are a delicious, easy, and quick meal that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a flavorful, colorful dish perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and sides to make it a complete, satisfying meal.

Ready to give it a try? Whip up these fajitas and enjoy a homemade dish full of flavor!