If you’re ready to bring a fiesta to your dinner table, this Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe is your new go-to. Tender, juicy chicken marries perfectly with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all infused with a zesty, tangy marinade that wakes up your taste buds. It’s simple, quick, and delivers bold Tex-Mex flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, these fajitas hit that perfect balance between fresh, flavorful, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to anyone’s successful Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe. These straightforward items each play a key role in building a layered flavor profile, colorful presentation, and satisfying bite.
- Chicken tenderloins (3 lbs): The star protein that cooks quickly and stays tender for juicy fajitas.
- Italian dressing (16-oz bottle): A surprisingly perfect marinade base that adds tanginess and herbs effortlessly.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10-oz can, undrained): Adds a mild kick and moisture keeping the chicken vibrant.
- Taco seasoning (1-oz package): Brings the unmistakable fajita spices to the party with chili, cumin, and garlic.
- Lime juice (from 1 lime): Brightens the marinade for that fresh citrus punch.
- Sliced onion and bell peppers: Classic fajita veggies that offer sweet and savory notes plus a nice crunch.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): For sautéing those veggies until just tender and caramelized.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large ziplock bag, mix the chicken tenderloins with Italian dressing, diced tomatoes and green chilies (including the juice), taco seasoning, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Toss everything together so the chicken is completely coated. Then pop it in the fridge overnight to let all those flavors soak in and tenderize the meat beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for Cooking
When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade. Pat each piece dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear without steaming the meat, locking in juiciness while giving your fajitas that lovely caramelization.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and develop a few golden edges—about 5 to 7 minutes. These softened veggies bring sweet crunchiness and color. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken tenderloins in the same skillet and cook for roughly 4 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink on the inside. That quick cook time ensures each piece stays juicy and tender while soaking up all those delicious marinade flavors.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Add your sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet with the chicken. Give everything a quick toss and cook together for an additional minute just to warm through and marry the flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Serve Your Fajitas
Gather warm tortillas and your favorite toppings—cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes—and dive into this festive feast. Each bite bursts with juicy chicken, sweet peppers, and a tangy zest that never gets old.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes elevate your Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe to the next level. Try shredded cheese for melty goodness, cool sour cream to balance the spice, fresh salsa bursting with tomatoes and herbs, shredded lettuce for crunch, and a squeeze of lime to brighten every bite. These add-ons personalize your fajitas and make every mouthful irresistible.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like Mexican rice and refried beans are ideal for soaking up extra sauce and rounding out the meal. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or charred corn on the cob bring fresh, crunchy contrasts. Choose sides that complement the boldness of the fajitas without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the chicken, peppers, and onions family-style on a sizzling cast-iron skillet right at the table. Or assemble fajita bowls with rice, veggies, and toppings layered in a colorful bowl for a modern twist. The vibrant colors and smoky aroma make presentation part of the fun and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas and any fresh toppings separate to maintain their texture and freshness for your next meal. Reheat gently to keep everything moist and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save fajitas for later, freeze the cooked chicken, peppers, and onions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s an easy meal prep hack for busy days when you crave those bold, homemade flavors without any fuss.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating for best texture, but if short on time, cover and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or a tiny bit of olive oil if things seem dry.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but slice them thinly so they cook quickly and stay tender, just like the tenderloins.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken for less than overnight?
Yes, though marinating overnight allows the best flavor and tenderness. If short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will still add good flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely. Use a spicier taco seasoning or add chopped jalapeños to the peppers and onions to kick up the heat.
What type of tortillas are best for fajitas?
Flour tortillas are classic and soft, perfect for wrapping all the fillings. Warm them before serving for best texture.
Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking in a skillet?
Yes! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with fajitas. Just be sure to preheat the grill and cook until the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe is truly a winner in flavor, ease, and vibrant appeal. It’s a fresh twist on a beloved classic that you’ll want to make often, whether for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients come together to deliver a dish bursting with bold, addictive flavor that feels like a celebration every time.
Print
Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus overnight marinating
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Easy Chicken Fajitas recipe is a flavorful and simple meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Marinated overnight in Italian dressing, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning, the chicken tenderloins are pan-cooked with sautéed onions and bell peppers to create a delicious Tex-Mex dish served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 3 lb raw chicken tenderloins
- 1 (16-oz) bottle Italian dressing
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 lime, juiced
Vegetables
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
To Serve (optional)
- Warm tortillas
- Cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Lettuce and/or tomatoes
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large ziplock bag, combine the chicken tenderloins, Italian dressing, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and lime juice. Toss everything together to evenly coat the chicken and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Chicken for Cooking: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator, take the chicken pieces out of the marinade, and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear during cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Once softened, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add the chicken tenderloins. Cook them for about 4 minutes on each side or until they are no longer pink inside and cooked through, ensuring a nice sear on the outside.
- Combine and Warm: Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute to warm everything together and enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and vegetables hot with warm tortillas. Accompany with desired toppings such as cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes to create delicious fajitas.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness. If short on time, marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Use a cast iron or non-stick skillet for best results when cooking chicken and vegetables.
- Feel free to customize the fajitas with other toppings such as guacamole or jalapeños.
- For a spicier kick, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
