These chicken fajitas deliver that unbeatable sizzling skillet flavor we all crave, using tender strips of chicken breast, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve them straight from the pan with warm tortillas and all your favorite toppings for a meal that never fails to please everyone at the table.

I first fell in love with the vibrant, smoky aroma of great fajitas during a trip through the Southwest, and I’ve been perfecting this recipe ever since. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sizzle when the platter hits the table, filling the kitchen with the scent of cumin and charred peppers. I love serving these for casual gatherings, pairing them with a big bowl of hearty chicken stew or keeping things simple with some easy chicken tacos on the side for the kids. It transforms an ordinary Tuesday into a mini fiesta.

What Makes These Chicken Fajitas Irresistible

Quick Weeknight Wonder: You can have this easy fajita recipe on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Customizable for Everyone: Everyone can build their own perfect plate with their favorite toppings.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The marinade creates juicy chicken with a beautiful smoky-sweet char.
One Pan Cleanup: Cooking everything in a single skillet makes cleanup an absolute breeze.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Fajitas

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Chicken breasts: Slicing them evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
Bell peppers: I use a mix of colors for a more vibrant and sweet result.
Yellow onion: Its sweetness balances perfectly with the savory spices.
Olive oil: Helps create a beautiful sear on the chicken and vegetables.
Lime juice: The acidity tenderizes the chicken and adds a bright, fresh finish.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika: This trio is the heart of the classic fajita seasoning.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the marinade.

Chicken Fajitas

Try this delicious chicken fajitas recipe with tender marinated chicken, colorful peppers, and onions. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

oven-safe skillet
oven
spoon
pot
strainer
knife
cutting board
measuring spoons
measuring cups

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 jar marinara sauce 24-ounce
1 cup water
8 ounces dried egg noodles
1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
Pour the marinara sauce and 1 cup of water into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and return them to the pot. Stir in the room-temperature sour cream until the noodles are evenly coated.
Gently fold the sour cream-coated noodles into the beef and sauce mixture in the skillet until everything is well combined. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly spotted with brown. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Add mozzarella or feta for a cheesy twist. Let dough rise in a warm oven (off) for faster proofing.

Keyword chicken fajitas, ground beef, weeknight dinner

Simple Ways to Customize Your Fajitas

Spicy Kick: Add a sliced jalapeño to the skillet or a dash of cayenne to the seasoning.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or zucchini for more color and nutrients.
Different Protein: This method works wonderfully with shrimp or thinly sliced steak.

My Pro Tips for Sizzling Fajita Success

Slice Evenly: Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform strips so everything cooks evenly.
Hot Pan is Key: Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear. This technique is similar to what you need for a perfect chicken shawarma.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the ingredients.
Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a minute after cooking for maximum juiciness.

How to Store and Reheat Your Fajitas

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the cooled chicken and pepper mixture for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until hot, which helps maintain the best texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can slice the veggies and mix the marinade a day ahead to save time. This is a great meal prep strategy, just like when making my chicken lo mein.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to slice chicken for fajitas?

I find it easiest to slice chicken breasts partially frozen. They hold their shape better, allowing you to cut thin, even strips against the grain for the most tender result.

Can I make chicken fajitas without a skillet?

While a hot skillet gives the best sear, you can bake them on a sheet pan at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, though the texture will be less charred.

How do you keep chicken fajitas from getting soggy?

The key is a very hot pan and not overcrowding it. Cook the chicken and vegetables in a single layer to allow steam to escape and promote browning instead of steaming.

What can I use instead of bell peppers in fajitas?

You can use poblano peppers for a milder heat or add other quick-cooking veggies like zucchini or sliced mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

More Irresistible Chicken Dinners

Why This Chicken Fajitas Recipe Will Become a Staple

With its juicy, well-seasoned chicken and perfectly charred veggies, this is truly one of the best fajitas you can make at home. It’s incredibly straightforward yet delivers that authentic restaurant-quality sizzle and flavor. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and ease to your dinner rotation as it has to mine.

Quick Dinner Fajitas