Name: Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (sliced horizontally to create 4 fillets, 1 1/2 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons liquid smoke; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced (any mix of colors); 8-12 flour tortillas; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (for crema, to taste); 1/2 teaspoon salt (for crema); 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (for crema); 1/4 cup packed cilantro, finely chopped; Cheese (quantity as desired); Guacamole or chopped avocados (quantity as desired); Avocado Crema (optional); Salsa (quantity as desired)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sizzle of chicken and peppers hitting a hot pan — that’s exactly the magic in my Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe. It’s fast, flavorful, and feels special without the fuss.

The image shows a black skillet filled with many dark brown grilled strips of meat piled in the center. To the side, there are bright slices of avocado with a smooth texture, light green in color. Behind the meat, there are colorful cooked veggies including red, orange, and yellow bell peppers mixed with green strips, all slightly glossy and soft. Some fresh green herb leaves are scattered on top of the meat and around the skillet. The skillet is sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love making this skillet chicken fajitas recipe because it checks all the boxes: juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, and a marinade that’s seriously next-level—not to mention it comes together so quickly. It’s the kind of meal I can count on for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Effortless Marinade: The marinade brings together sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors that do all the work for you, infusing the chicken deeply.
Quick Cooking: After marinating, it only takes about 15 minutes to get everything on the table.
Versatile Meal: You can serve it as fajitas, on a salad, in burritos, or however you like—perfect for making everyone happy.
Flavor-Packed Veggies: The charred peppers and onions add a colorful, fresh pop that complements the chicken perfectly.

The image shows a black cast iron pan with two main layers: on one side, dark brown strips of cooked meat with a slightly crispy texture, and on the other side, bright red, yellow, and green bell pepper strips mixed with onions, all lightly cooked with a soft texture. A few small green leafy herbs are scattered on top for garnish. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s ingredients blend sweet, citrusy, and smoky notes that make every bite a delight. Each element plays a key role—from the marinade’s balance to the crisp-tender vegetables. Here’s a little about why these ingredients come together so well.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts, half a red onion thinly sliced, three colorful bell peppers sliced into strips (red, yellow, and green), a stack of soft flour tortillas, small white bowls containing olive oil, brown sugar, orange juice, lime juice, reduced sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, dried oregano, ground black pepper, liquid smoke, sour cream, mayonnaise, and freshly squeezed lime juice, a small pile of finely chopped fresh cilantro, ripe avocados halved and chopped, shredded cheese, a small white bowl of fresh chopped tomatoes, black beans, and a bowl of salsa, all neatly arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, on simple white ceramic plates and bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Slicing them thin and marinating keeps the chicken juicy and ensures quick, even cooking.
Red onion: Adds subtle sharpness that mellows beautifully when sautéed.
Bell peppers: Using a mix of colors keeps the dish bright and adds natural sweetness.
Olive oil: Helps keep everything from sticking and enhances flavor without overpowering.
Brown sugar: Brings a touch of caramelized sweetness to balance the tangy marinade.
Orange and lime juice: The citrus blend brightens the whole dish and helps tenderize the chicken.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth without being salty due to the reduced sodium choice.
Dijon mustard: A secret weapon—for a slight tang and complexity in the marinade.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, oregano: These spices marry smoky, earthy, and warm notes for authentic fajita flavor.
Garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper: Foundations for layering savory taste.
Liquid smoke: Imparts that coveted grilled char flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
Sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle powder, cilantro: Blend into a creamy chipotle lime crema that adds a refreshing kick and cools the spice.
Cheese, guacamole, salsa, black beans, tomatoes: Optional toppings that make each fajita your own flavor adventure.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up based on what’s in my fridge or the mood of the day. Don’t hesitate to adapt—this recipe is super forgiving and loves a little personalization.

Variation: Some nights I swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The marinade still works wonderfully with those.
Spice Level: Adjust chipotle chili powder and paprika to dial up or down the heat to your taste buds.
Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini if you want more veggie variety—it all cooks beautifully in the same skillet.
Tortilla Choice: Flour tortillas are classic, but corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps make great alternatives.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

First things first—combine your marinade ingredients in a large freezer bag. I always save a couple of tablespoons for the veggies. Toss in the chicken fillets, seal it tight, and pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. This wait makes a world of difference, tenderizing the chicken and letting all those flavors soak in.

Step 2: Get Your Skillet Sizzling

When dinner time rolls around, take the chicken out to reach room temp for about 15–30 minutes. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until very hot—it’s key to getting that nice sear. Dab off excess marinade to avoid sogginess, then lay the chicken down without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until you get a golden brown (or even a bit blackened if you like).

Step 3: Finish the Chicken Gently

Flip the chicken, cover the pan, and lower the heat to medium. Give it another 2–4 minutes depending on thickness, until it's cooked through. Rest the chicken on a cutting board tented with foil for 5 minutes—this helps keep it juicy—then slice across the grain into strips.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies with Flavor

While the chicken rests, add another tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet with the reserved marinade and leftover cooking juices. Sauté the onions for about a minute first; then toss in your colorful bell peppers. Cook 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender but still vibrant. Then add the sliced chicken back in and toss everything together to coat in those savory juices.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy!

Warm your flour tortillas and start layering—fajita filling, cheese, guacamole, salsa, or whatever toppings you love. I’m obsessed with the chipotle lime crema on the side—it adds that creamy, smoky kick that seals the deal.

Top Tip

From my many fajita nights, I've learned a few simple tricks that really elevate this recipe—these tips helped me turn a good dish into a memorable one you'll want again and again.

Don’t skip the marinade time: Even a few hours make a big difference—it's the key to juicy, flavorful chicken.
Pat chicken dry before cooking: It ensures a beautiful sear rather than steaming, which keeps the texture perfect.
Use high heat for veggies: It helps them stay crisp-tender, not mushy, which adds great texture contrast.
Let the chicken rest: Resting locks in the juices—cutting too soon can dry it out.

How to Serve Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe

skillet chicken fajitas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simple, fresh garnishes—dollops of chipotle lime crema, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, slices of creamy avocado or guacamole, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a bright pop that brings everything alive.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a side of black beans or Mexican rice to round out the meal. On busy nights, I sometimes serve it with tortilla chips and salsa for a casual vibe that feels like a fiesta at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love setting up a fajita bar where everyone builds their own. Lay out the skillet fajitas, warm tortillas, bowls of toppings, and let guests customize. It’s interactive and makes for a fun, relaxed atmosphere where you can focus on enjoying the company.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3-4 days. Sometimes I keep the crema separate so it stays fresh, and then drizzle it on when reheating or serving.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely if you want to meal prep. Freeze the cooked chicken and peppers in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken tender and veggies slightly crisp. Microwave works in a pinch, but can make the veggies a bit soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and stay juicy; just watch the cooking time as thighs can be a bit thicker and might need a few extra minutes to cook through.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?

Reheating in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth helps retain moisture. Covering the pan while warming ensures the chicken doesn't dry out and keeps the veggies from getting limp.

How long can I marinate the chicken before cooking?

You can marinate the chicken anywhere from 6 hours up to overnight for maximum flavor. I find that longer marinade times, up to 24 hours, really deepen the taste without compromising texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this dish gluten-free. Just double-check your soy sauce or swap it out for a gluten-free tamari to keep all flavors intact.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas have become a staple in my kitchen because they bring joy with every bite — from the vibrant colors to the irresistible smoky-sweet marinade. I know you’ll love how simple they are and that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, perfect for busy nights or sharing with friends. Grab your skillet, and let’s make fajita magic together.