Description
Easy and flavorful chicken fajitas featuring marinated chicken strips cooked with bell peppers and onions, served sizzling in warm tortillas with optional toppings like guacamole and salsa.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice (or more lime juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper (and red pepper flakes if using).
- Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
- When ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until very hot.
- Add about half of the marinated chicken strips to the hot pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion to the same skillet (add a little more oil if needed). Sauté over high heat, tossing frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return all the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and toss to combine, heating through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the sizzling chicken and vegetable mixture immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings.
Notes
- Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro for a complete meal.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor if time allows.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level.