Easy Chicken Fajitas With Peppers and Onions

Chicken fajitas are one of those dinners that look like more work than they actually are.

Slice the chicken.

Slice a few peppers and onions.

Season everything.

Cook it in a hot skillet.

Dinner is basically done.

It’s also an easy meal to customize, which makes it useful when you’re feeding people with very different ideas about what belongs on a dinner plate.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

For serving:

• Flour or corn tortillas
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa
• Avocado
• Fresh cilantro

Slice Everything First

This recipe cooks quickly, so have everything ready before you turn on the stove.

Slice the chicken into thin strips.

Slice the peppers and onion into similar-sized pieces.

Keeping everything relatively even helps it cook at about the same rate.

Make the Seasoning

Mix the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Add the seasoning to the chicken and toss until well coated.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a little olive oil.

Cook the chicken in a single layer.

Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook it in batches.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet.

If you put too much chicken in at once, it can release moisture and start steaming instead of browning.

Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Peppers and Onions

Add the remaining oil if necessary.

Add the peppers and onions.

Cook until they’re tender but still have a little bite.

If you like darker, more caramelized edges, let them sit in the hot pan for a little longer before stirring.

Bring It Together

Return the chicken to the skillet.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything.

Toss together and cook for another minute or two.

That’s it.

How to Serve Chicken Fajitas

Warm your tortillas and put everything on the table.

Let everyone build their own.

Set out bowls of:

• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

This is especially useful when you’re feeding a family because everyone can make their fajita exactly the way they like it.

Can You Use Chicken Thighs?

Absolutely.

Chicken thighs are a little richer and more forgiving than chicken breast.

They’re especially good if you’re worried about dry chicken.

Just make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

How to Save Money

Buy chicken when it’s on sale and freeze it in meal-sized portions.

You can also use whatever peppers are affordable.

You don’t need three different colors.

One or two varieties work perfectly well.

And if you have leftover fajita filling, don’t waste it.

Put it over rice the next day, add it to scrambled eggs, or turn it into a quesadilla.

A Dinner That Lets Everyone Help Themselves

Chicken fajitas are less about following a perfect recipe and more about putting good ingredients on the table and letting everyone build their own dinner.

Less arguing about toppings.

More eating.

That’s a pretty decent weeknight arrangement.