Name: Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 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); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8-12 flour tortillas; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (for crema); 1/2 teaspoon salt (for crema); 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (for crema); 1/4 cup packed cilantro, finely chopped (for crema); Cheese (to taste); Guacamole or chopped avocados (to taste); Salsa (to taste)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sizzle and vibrant colors of bell peppers and onions mingling with juicy chicken in a pan. This Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe nails that classic, smoky flavor with a marinade that melts into the meat, making every bite flavorful and fun to eat.

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’ve made plenty of fajita recipes over the years, but this easy skillet chicken fajitas recipe stands out because it doesn’t just taste like a restaurant meal — it feels like one you made yourself, without any fuss. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together where everyone can build their own plate.

Simple Prep: The marinade works its magic while you go about your day, so all you have to do is cook and assemble.
Flavor Packed: The blend of spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness creates balanced, bold flavors that grab your attention.
Flexible Serving Options: Whether you want fajita wraps, salads, or bowls, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Great for Guests: Make it for friends or family — everyone loves a fajita bar with plenty of toppings!

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

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its part to create that balanced fajita experience: juicy, smoky chicken paired with tender peppers and onions. Plus, little touches like liquid smoke and chipotle powder add that irresistible smoky depth you’d expect at your favorite Tex-Mex joint.

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 these horizontally to create fillets helps them cook evenly and fast, sealing in juiciness.
Red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that softens beautifully when sautéed.
Bell peppers: Using a mix of colors keeps the dish bright and vibrant, plus the natural sweetness comes forward as they cook.
Olive oil: For cooking and marinating, it helps everything sizzle and adds a subtle richness.
Brown sugar: Balances acidity and heat with a touch of caramel sweetness.
Orange and lime juice: These citrus juices brighten the marinade, tenderizing the chicken and layering in freshness.
Soy sauce (reduced sodium): Brings umami complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth to the marinade.
Chili powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic & onion powder, salt and pepper: The spice mix that gives these fajitas their signature Tex-Mex kick.
Liquid smoke: Just a splash brings a smoky, grilled taste even if you’re cooking indoors.
Sour cream & mayonnaise: The base for the creamy chipotle lime crema — which turns every bite into a smoky, tangy delight.
Cilantro: A fresh herb that’s perfect for brightness in both the fajita mixture and the crema.
Cheese, guacamole, salsa, black beans, chopped tomatoes: Classic toppings that elevate your fajita experience to personalized perfection.

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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

One of my favorite things about this easy skillet chicken fajitas recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch up the peppers or sneak in spicy jalapeños if I’m feeling bold. And the crema? That's your playground for flavors — I sometimes add extra lime or chipotle powder depending on my mood.

Variation: I once swapped the chicken for shrimp and tossed in a bit more garlic powder — it was fantastic for a light summer dinner.
Dietary tweaks: Use corn tortillas for gluten-free, or double the veggies for a low-carb option that still satisfies.
Heat level: Adjust the chipotle chili powder to suit your spice tolerance — I like it smoky with just a kick, but you can ramp it up.

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

Step 1: Marinade magic

Start by whisking together all the marinade ingredients in a large freezer bag—except for 2 tablespoons, which you’ll save for the vegetables. Adding the chicken fillets and tossing to coat is the fun part. I like to marinate mine overnight in the fridge because the longer it sits, the more the flavors seep in. But if you're pressed for time, even a few hours works great.

Step 2: Sear that chicken perfectly

Once your chicken’s had time to soak, take it out and let it come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This little step helps it cook evenly. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high. When it’s screaming hot, pat off excess marinade from the chicken to prevent steaming, and lay it in. Don’t move it around — let it get that beautiful golden-brown crust for 2-3 minutes. Then flip, cover, lower heat, and cook until done, about 2-4 minutes depending on thickness. Rest it for 5 minutes before slicing into strips; this keeps it juicy.

Step 3: Sauté those veggies

While the chicken rests, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with the leftover marinade you set aside. Over medium-high heat, toss in the sliced onions and sauté for a minute before adding the colorful bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still vibrant. Then add the sliced chicken back to the pan and toss everything together so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Assemble & enjoy!

Warm your tortillas and pile on the fajita mixture. Don’t forget the chipotle lime crema (I *love* how it’s creamy and tangy with a smoky kick). Finish with your favorite toppings — cheese, guac, salsa, maybe some black beans — and get ready for a fiesta in every bite.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that crank these easy skillet chicken fajitas from good to unforgettable. Let me share what’s worked best for me so you get perfect fajitas every time.

Pat dry chicken before cooking: Removing excess marinade lets your chicken brown instead of steam, giving you that irresistible crust.
Don’t skip the resting time: Resting your cooked chicken locks in juices — otherwise it dries out fast.
Use high heat for veggies: Quick sauté over high heat keeps peppers crunchy and colorful.
Marinate longer if possible: I learned that even overnight is worth it; the flavor difference is noticeable.

How to Serve Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about adding fresh, creamy, and spicy garnishes. My go-to toppings are plenty of chopped cilantro, tangy chipotle lime crema, shredded cheese, dollops of guacamole or diced avocado, and a generous spoonful of fresh salsa. These layers of flavor and texture really bring the fajitas to life.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these with black beans seasoned simply with garlic and cumin, a quick Mexican rice, or just a fresh green salad sprinkled with lime juice. If I want to make it a party, I lay out bowls of shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and extra lime wedges for everyone to customize.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I’ve set up a fajita bar with warm tortillas stacked high alongside all the toppings in little bowls. It’s fun for guests to build their own and makes the meal feel extra festive. On quieter nights, I like serving the chicken and veggies on a bed of cilantro-lime rice, garnished with avocado slices and a drizzle of crema for a beautiful, colorful plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fajita feast, pack any leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. I’ve kept leftovers delicious up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out, and they taste almost as good the second time around.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze fully assembled fajitas because the tortillas get soggy, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies separately in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and then assemble fresh for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your fajita mix in a hot skillet with a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Stir gently to warm through without overcooking. Warm your tortillas separately, so everything stays fresh and tasty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor, but you’ll want to adjust cooking time since thighs are usually a bit thicker and fattier. Just keep an eye to avoid overcooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, I suggest marinating for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer the chicken soaks, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

What can I substitute if I don’t have liquid smoke?

If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can omit it—the fajitas will still be delicious. Alternatively, add a pinch more smoked paprika or grill the chicken on a barbecue for that smoky flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free or corn tortillas to keep it gluten-free. Also, check that your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s straightforward yet bursting with bold, fresh flavors that make any night feel special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, I know this recipe will impress your family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll be making it again and again, trust me!