Skillet Chicken Fajitas: Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal
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Skillet Chicken Fajitas are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor. Picture this: juicy, seasoned chicken cooked with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all in one pan. It’s simple, fast, and delicious.
You can have homemade chicken fajitas on the table in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, or a zesty sauce. Your family will love the mix of spices and the colorful presentation.
If you enjoy a meal that’s both tasty and effortless, chicken fajitas cooked in a skillet are the way to go. You’ll love how one pan holds all the magic, bringing together fresh ingredients and bold flavors for a dish that’s sure to be a hit.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
For making delicious skillet chicken fajitas, you need a few key ingredients. Let’s lay them out clearly.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound, sliced thin
- Bell Peppers: 3, assorted colors, sliced
- Onions: 1 large, sliced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon
Possible Substitutes:
Chicken Breasts: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Tofu or portobello mushrooms can be used for a vegetarian variety.
Bell Peppers: If bell peppers aren’t available, try using poblano or even zucchini.
Onions: Shallots or red onions can replace standard yellow onions if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, avocado oil, or canola oil can be used as alternatives.
Lime Juice: Lemon juice works just as well if you don’t have lime juice. It adds a similar acidity.
Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic is a great substitute. Use about one clove for every teaspoon of garlic powder.
Chili Powder: Paprika or cayenne pepper (but less of it) can be used if chili powder is not available.
Cumin: Coriander can be swapped in for cumin if needed.
Salt: Sea salt, kosher salt, or even seasoned salt can work.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you need a substitute, try using a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
Experimenting with substitutes can lead to tasty variations of your fajitas. Enjoy!
Instructions
Mix Spices
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.Season Chicken
Coat both sides of your chicken breasts with half of the spice mix. Save the other half for later.Heat Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil.Cook Chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.Sauté Veggies
Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender.Combine and Season
Return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix over the veggies and chicken. Stir to combine.Finish and Serve
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and tortillas.
Enjoy your delicious Skillet Chicken Fajitas!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Marinating
For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to fully absorb into the meat. Be sure to drain well before cooking.
Cooking Vegetables
Heat your skillet on high heat until very hot. This gives your veggies a nice char and deep flavor. Cook onions and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Cooking Chicken
Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and a good sear. Use a large cast iron skillet for the best results.
Oil Tips
If you find your pan getting dry, add more oil as needed. This helps prevent sticking and enhances the cooking process.
Flavor Balance
Don’t forget to season both the vegetables and the chicken well. Use a mix of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to boost flavor.
Resting the Chicken
After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes slicing easier.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
You can also freeze cooked fajitas. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Options
Serve your chicken fajitas with warm tortillas, fresh lime wedges, and your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
These tips will help you make perfect skillet chicken fajitas every time!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
When making skillet chicken fajitas, you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Fajitas: Add some jalapenos or hot sauce to give your fajitas a fiery kick.
- Veggie-Packed Fajitas: Include zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra veggies.
- Lime and Cilantro Twist: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cooked fajitas and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
You can also use different proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu to switch things up.
Serving Suggestions:
- Tortillas: Use warm flour or corn tortillas to wrap your fajitas.
- Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, or lettuce.
- Side Dishes: Serve with Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh garden salad.
For an extra treat, you can serve your fajitas with a side of tortilla chips and homemade pico de gallo or queso dip. Enjoy your meal!