If you’re looking for restaurant-style chicken, Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas are a must-try. This homemade recipe is like the ultimate Tex-Mex feast. It’s a wonderful addition to a casual dinner, perfect for guests and friends.
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Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas: Homemade Recipe, Tex-Mex Feast
If you’re looking for a vibrant, bold, flavor-packed dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare, chicken fajitas are the perfect choice. Juicy strips of chicken are simply perfect with sizzling peppers, caramelized onions, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings.
This Tex-Mex classic is a great dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. It’s a favorite in most American homes.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas, step-by-step, using simple pantry ingredients with a restaurant-style flavor.
Whether you’re looking to cook something for family night, meal prep, or host a cozy dinner, this recipe is perfect and never disappoints.
What is Chicken Fajita?
Chicken fajita is a Tex-Mex specialty, consisting of marinated chicken strips. It’s cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions and enjoyed hot with tortillas and toppings. A traditional fajita is cooked to perfection in a smoky cast iron pan to give it the perfect char and smoky aroma.
Ingredients for Chicken Fajitas:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce, optional – for juiciness and thickness
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Ingredients for Vegetables:
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 large chopped onion
- 1 yellow bell pepper, optional – for sweetness
- 1 chopped green bell pepper
- Pepper and salt
Serving ingredients:
- Lemon wedge
- Sour cream
- Warm flour tortillas
- Grated cheese
- Guacamole
- Pico De Gallo
Step-by-step instructions for making Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas:
1. Slicing the Chicken Properly
Cut the chicken breast into thin, uniform strips.
This allows for even cooking and faster absorption of the marinade.
Tip: Lightly refrigerate the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes to help cut neat strips.
2. Making a Flavorful Fajitas Marinade
- Use a large bowl and whisk together the following ingredients by volume:
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Lemon juice
- Soy sauce (optional)
- Pepper and salt
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder and garlic
- Oregano
- These ingredients give the marinated chicken a tangy, smoky, and salty flavor.
3. Marinating the Chicken
Place the chicken strips in a bowl and mix well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Marinating time:
- Minimum 25 to 30 minutes
- Best time: 2 hours
- Up to 12 hours for maximum flavor
- Cover and refrigerate
4. Preparing the Vegetables
Cut the bell peppers and onions into long, thin strips.
Keep them colorful: green, red, and yellow peppers are ideal for great flavor and presentation.
5. Roasting the Chicken
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan.
- Heat over high heat and keep ready.
- Add a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the marinated chicken strips to the hot pan and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
- Slightly charred at the edges
- Chicken turns golden brown
- The juices evaporate and thicken
- Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
6. Cooking the Vegetables
Use the same pan:
- Add a little oil and add the chopped onion and peppers.
- Saute over high heat for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Until slightly softened,
- the edges charred, and
- crispy.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Mixing It All Together
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Stir well for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Optional: Add another squeeze of lemon for a brighter finish.
8. Serve Hot
- First, warm the flour tortillas, either using a dry skillet or wrapping them in a foil and warming them in the oven.
Serve the chicken and vegetables in the center of the table with the following ingredients:
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Lime slices
- Salsa
- Cheese
- Citric acid
- Sizzling skillet chicken fajitas are ready to serve and enjoy.
Some great tips for the best chicken fajitas:
- Use cast iron for the best smoked flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cut all the vegetables to the same size for even cooking.
- If you prefer a more caramelized flavor, add a little brown sugar.
- Leftovers are great in burritos, quesadillas, and salads.
Serving:
Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas can be served with the following (a USA favorite):
- Guacamole and Chips
- Mexican Rice
- Refried Beans
- Black Bean Salad
- Grilled Corn
- Salsa
Storage:
A better way to store leftover Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas:
- The chicken and vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days in an airtight container.
Reheating:
- Store on high for 4 to 5 minutes
- Microwave for 70 to 90 seconds
- Oven for 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F
Some Meal Prep Tips:
- The Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas recipe is great for meal prep all week.
- Store the vegetables in a container and the chicken in a separate container, and portion the tortillas. Share it.
FAQ
Answers to questions about Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas and how to fix mistakes:
Q. How can I make fajitas spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or jalapeño when marinating.
Q. Can I make chicken fajitas gluten-free?
Yes! To make them gluten-free, use corn tortillas and make sure the spices are gluten-free.
Q. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are much juicier and have a richer flavor.
Q. Can I bake the fajitas?
Yes! Spread the sizzling skillet chicken fajitas out on a baking sheet and cook at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once.
Q. Can the chicken fajitas be refrigerated?
Yes! Vegetables and cooked chicken can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Q. What’s the best pan for making fajitas?
For making Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas, a cast iron skillet gives the classic smoking fajitas char.
Final Thoughts
Sizzling Skillet Chicken Fajitas are juicy, bold, smoky, and full of Tex-Mex flavor. They’re perfect for any night of the week. Each recipe, with step-by-step instructions, ensures you can make restaurant-quality fajitas in your own kitchen using all the simple ingredients found in the USA.