If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both quick to prepare and totally satisfying, this Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. Packed with juicy marinated chicken, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions, it’s the perfect way to bring a fiesta straight to your dinner table without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious weeknight meal, these fajitas balance tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward and fresh ingredients is key to making your Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe shine. Each component brings something special—zesty marinades for punch, colorful veggies for sweetness and crunch, and a touch of citrus for brightness. Let’s take a closer look.
- 3-lb raw chicken tenderloins: Tender, lean, and perfect for quick cooking; they soak up flavors beautifully.
- 1 (16-oz) bottle Italian dressing: Works as an easy marinade base, adding herbs and tanginess for depth.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: Adds a spicy hint and juicy acidity that livens up the dish.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: Brings classic fajita spices to the party with minimal effort.
- 1 lime, juiced: Adds a fresh citrus zing that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Onion and bell pepper, sliced: Essential for sweetness, texture, and that signature fajita pop of color.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the veggies to tender-crisp perfection without overpowering flavor.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
This step is the magic behind the bold, mouthwatering flavor of the dish. Toss your raw chicken tenderloins into a large ziplock bag along with Italian dressing, the Rotel tomatoes and chilies, taco seasoning, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Seal it up and refrigerate overnight to let those flavors work their magic and tenderize the meat. Trust me, this is worth the wait for juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for Cooking
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the bag and gently pat it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear in the skillet without steaming the chicken. It might be tempting to just toss it right in, but this little step makes a big difference in texture and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet, then add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook them until they begin to soften and develop a touch of caramelization—about 5 to 7 minutes. These veggies provide a sweet counterbalance to the tangy chicken and bring that classic fajita crunch. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken tenderloins to the hot skillet and cook about 4 minutes per side, or until no longer pink inside. The high heat helps lock in juices, and that short cook time means the chicken stays tender and moist—a crucial part of making this Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe a winner.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Return the sautéed onions and peppers to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Give everything a quick stir and cook together for just another minute to meld the flavors and bring the veggies back up to temperature. Now your fajita filling is ready to be the star of the show.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Load up warm tortillas with your delicious chicken and veggie mixture, and get ready for a fiesta right at your dining table!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
The best part of fajitas is customizing how you finish them. Classic garnishes like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, fresh salsa, and crisp lettuce add layers of flavor and texture. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a few slices of avocado can elevate your serving, making each bite even more special.
Side Dishes
Complement your fajitas with simple sides that bring balance. Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad are fantastic companions. They soak up any extra juices from the fajitas and round out the meal beautifully without overwhelming the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe family-style on a sizzling cast iron platter so everyone can build their own tacos at the table. Alternatively, try stuffing the fajita filling into warm pita pockets or stuffing it over a crisp green salad for a low-carb twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fajitas, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cooked chicken and veggies stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save extra portions for a longer time, freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Portion them out beforehand for effortless thaw-and-heat meals later on.
Reheating
To bring your leftover fajitas back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the skillet method keeps the chicken tender and the vegetables crispier.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips and marinate them the same way. Adjust cooking time to ensure they cook through evenly without drying out.
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight really lets the flavors develop and tenderizes the meat, if you’re short on time, even 1-2 hours will still add good flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use a gluten-free Italian dressing and taco seasoning, and serve with gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps.
What type of peppers work best for fajitas?
Classic fajitas usually use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for sweetness and color. Feel free to experiment with poblano or Anaheim peppers if you want a bit more heat.
Can I cook this recipe on a grill?
Definitely! Grill the marinated chicken strips and vegetables for a smoky twist, then bring them inside to assemble. Just keep an eye to avoid flare-ups!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and delightful textures to your table—all without requiring hours of prep. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, the juicy marinated chicken combined with tender veggies will make this a go-to meal you’ll return to again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start sizzling your way to fajita perfection tonight!
Print
Easy Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding overnight marination)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Easy Chicken Fajitas recipe offers a flavorful, quick, and straightforward meal perfect for busy weeknights. Marinated overnight in Italian dressing, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and lime juice, the chicken tenderloins absorb vibrant flavors. Sautéed with bell peppers and onions in olive oil, this dish combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables, making it an irresistible Tex-Mex favorite served alongside warm tortillas and your choice of toppings.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 3 lbs 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
Cooking
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Serving Suggestions
- Warm tortillas
- Cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken tenderloins into a large ziplock bag. Add Italian dressing, undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and lime juice. Seal the bag and toss to coat all chicken pieces evenly. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare Chicken Before Cooking: Remove the chicken from the marinade, draining excess liquid, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure better searing.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften but retain some crunch, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add the chicken tenderloins. Cook each side for approximately 4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Combine and Warm: Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute to warm through and meld flavors.
- Serve: Plate the chicken fajitas with warm tortillas and your preferred toppings such as cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but if short on time, marinate for at least 1 hour.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeño slices to the vegetables.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best searing results, but a non-stick skillet works well too.
- Leftover fajita filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on stovetop.
- Substitute chicken breasts if tenderloins are unavailable, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
