Simple One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Gather the chicken fajita ingredients

To prepare this dish, gather chicken breast, onion, red and green bell peppers, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, olive oil, and lime. After collecting all the ingredients and slicing them evenly, you can begin the cooking process.

Step 1: Place the fajita ingredients in a large container

Place the chicken, onion, and peppers into a large container with a lid or a resealable plastic bag.

Step 2: Add the marinade

Drizzle the salt, spices, and oil, then squeeze the lime on top. Stir to achieve an even distribution.

Step 3: Cover and marinate

Seal the container or cover it, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow it to marinate.

Step 4: Add them to the skillet

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat and add about half of the fajitas.

Step 5: Cook the first half

Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Cook the rest

Transfer the cooked fajitas to a serving platter, then prepare the second batch.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Enjoy it hot alongside warm flour tortillas, salsa, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and refried beans, if you like.

Where were fajitas invented?

Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish that traces its roots back to the ranchers, or vaqueros, of Southern Texas and Northern Mexico. Although they share similarities with tacos, fajitas possess their own distinct history and features. The term "fajita" is derived from the Spanish word "faja," meaning strip, reflecting the way ranchers would use tougher, more affordable cuts of beef, like skirt steak. They would marinate these cuts, grill them quickly over an open flame, and then slice them into thin strips. These tender strips are typically enjoyed wrapped in tortillas alongside grilled vegetables.

Over time, the definition of fajitas has expanded to include a wider range of dishes. While they are still commonly made with thin strips of beef or chicken, it’s now quite common to find fajitas featuring other proteins, such as shrimp or even tofu. Additionally, fajitas are no longer limited to grilling; they are often prepared in a skillet, as demonstrated in this recipe. The side dishes that accompany fajitas have also evolved. Most contemporary fajita recipes include strips of onion and bell pepper, and they are usually served with flour tortillas and a variety of toppings, which often consist of shredded lettuce, guacamole, refried beans, salsa, and more.

How long should I marinate chicken fajitas?

When marinating food, it's crucial to ensure you're doing so for the right duration while also prioritizing food safety, particularly with chicken. In this recipe, we recommend a minimum marinating time of 2 hours to allow the chicken and vegetables to absorb the flavors of the spices and lime. However, you can certainly prepare this dish the night before, letting it marinate in the refrigerator for a full day prior to cooking.

Marinades generally consist of three main elements: spices, oil, and acid. The oil helps keep the protein moist, the spices enhance the flavor, and the acid contributes both flavor and tenderness to the meat. However, caution is needed when marinating: while the acid in the marinade can tenderize the meat and add a tangy kick, over-marinating can lead to the protein breaking down too much, resulting in mushy fajitas. As a rule of thumb, it's best to marinate meat for no longer than 2 days. Up to that point, your fajitas will be wonderfully flavorful while maintaining the right texture.