Easy One-Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe for Quick Flavorful Dinner
This easy one-skillet chicken fajitas recipe delivers a quick, flavorful dinner with smoky spices, tender chicken, and caramelized peppers. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lime juice from 1 lime
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, warm flour or corn tortillas
Instructions
- Thinly slice the chicken into ½ inch (1.25 cm) strips. Slice bell peppers and onions into similar thin strips. Mince the garlic finely. Pre-measure the fajita seasoning mixture.
- Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add chicken strips in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to brown, then stir and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes total. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add onions and bell peppers. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return chicken to skillet with veggies. Sprinkle fajita seasoning evenly over all. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet contents and stir to combine.
- Serve hot with warm tortillas and optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing and caramelization. Let chicken sit undisturbed to develop a brown crust. Thin slices cook quickly and evenly. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream or use vegan alternatives. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup fajita m
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken fajitas, one skillet, quick dinner, easy recipe, Mexican, weeknight meal, fajita seasoning, healthy dinner