Fajita day is a happy day! These Grilled Chicken Fajitas are such an easy meal that the whole family will fall in love with.
Making fajitas at home couldn’t be easier. The key to a restaurant ready dish is cook time, seasoning, and all the toppings that go along with it.
I think we can all agree that Taco Tuesday is the bomb, but can we also agree to start a movement for Fajita Friday? Cause fajitas just don’t get the credit they deserve.
There is nothing more tantalizing to your taste buds, ears and nostrils as a sizzling plate of fajitas zooming past your your table at a restaurant. Admit it, we all have a moment of extreme ordering regret if fajitas weren’t what we ordered.
Admittedly, I rarely order fajitas at a restaurant. Why? Because I make some killer ones at home and now I am sharing my chicken fajita recipe, along with homemade fajita seasoning with you!
Homemade fajitas are really quite easy. I like to make my chicken on the grill because it adds another layer of smoke and char, something you won’t get with restaurant fajitas that rarely use a flame grill.
Vegetables generally include onions and bell peppers which can be prepared inside on the stove or on the grill in a cast iron skillet.
PRO TIP: Use a blend of bell pepper colors to add a level of sophistication to your fajitas.
You’re all ready to spoon your mixture into a nice warm tortilla and top it with all the fixings. Some of my favorites are:
- Lime juice
- Green Tomatillo Salsa
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Crema Mexicana
- Shredded cheese
- Freshly cilantro
- Hot sauce
- Salsa
- Guacamole
I like to make my own fajita seasoning. Homemade seasonings are great because not only do you save money by making your own, you also can add and subtract ingredients as you like.
Of course store bought is also an option.
If you want less spice, reduce the amount of chili powder. If you want a more earthy flavor, add some more cumin.
PRO TIP: Make a double or even triple batch of fajita seasoning. Store it in an airtight container in the pantry for months. It can be used on nachos, tacos, burritos and more!
Low sodium diet? Reduce the salt or omit it all together! Any which way you put it, these chicken fajitas will taste amazing.
Can taco seasoning be used in exchange for fajita seasoning or vice versa? The difference between the two is so subtle you probably could use them interchangeably.
PRO TIP: Dust your tortilla chips with fajita seasoning!
The difference lies in the ratios. Taco seasoning has more chili powder while fajita seasoning has more cumin. Let’s be real, only a true taco or fajita enthusiast would notice the difference!
Check out these other Mexican inspired dishes:
- Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
- Mexican Lasagna Rolls
- Elote Mexican Corn on the Cob
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Mexican Mocha
- Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
- Chipotle Aioli
- Chile Relleno Breakfast Casserole
Mexican Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip
Homemade Crema Mexicana Recipe
Chile Relleno Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Questions you might have about how to make fajitas:
Can I make them ahead of time? You can make all of the elements in advance including the sauteed vegetables, grilled chicken and prepping all of the garnishes. Simply reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
Can I use a different protein? Sure! You can substitute shrimp, beef or even pork for chicken. You can even use a blend of two or three proteins. Simply follow the same recipe. If you double the proteins, double the amount of fajita seasoning.
Can I make a fajita bowl? Omit the tortillas and pile all the same ingredients onto a bed of rice!
Do I have to grill the chicken? If you don’t have a grill, don’t want to grill or got ready to grill and now it is pouring down rain, have no fear! You can cook the chicken in a cast iron skillet or even bake it in the oven.
Grilled Chicken Fajita Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fajita Chicken:
- 3 tablespoon s homemade fajita seasoning , divided
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Fajita Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 bell peppers , cut into thin slices
- 1 sweet onion , cut into thin slices
- 1 teaspoon homemade fajita seasoning
- 1 fresh lime , cut into wedges for spritzing
Assembling the Fajitas:
- 10-12 flour tortillas
- Additional condiments of your choice: salsa sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce, cheese, fresh cilantro, fresh lime
Instructions
For the Grilled Fajita Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the fajita seasoning, lime juice and vegetable oil. Set aside.
- Using a meat tenderizer, pound into uniform thickness, approximately 1/2 inch. Add the chicken to the marinade. Cover and chill for 1-12 hours.
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat, clean and oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the leftover marinade, and add the chicken to indirect heat on the grill. Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side. Cooking time will vary based on thickness of chicken. Internal temperature should be 165°F. Continue to flip every 2-3 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. Remove and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice chicken against the grain into thin strips. Set aside.
For the Fajita Vegetables:
- If preparing the vegetables indoors, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the cut bell peppers and onion. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Toss with the fajita seasoning and spritz with fresh lime wedges.
- If preparing the vegetables on the grill, use a grill basket. Toss the vegetables in the vegetable oil and then add to the basket. Toss every 2-3 minutes to get evenly cooked until soft, but still snappy. Remove and toss in the fajita seasoning and fresh lime.
- Top each tortilla with a few slices of chicken, vegetables and top with your favorite fajitas toppings.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comment or star ratings.
Perfect for Tex-Mex Tuesday! I bet the mesquite flavoring is tasty.
I have used the Perfect Portions but not this one, I haven’t seen the mesquite yet.
It should be available this month – brand new!
Oh wow these look ah-mazing!! Mexican food is our favorite…going to have to try these! Found your page via the Connections for Blog Growth page and I love it! For being a newbie blogger it looks great!! I’m new as well and just learning the swing of things. Looking forward to seeing more from you 🙂
Love fajitas, these look delish!
Fajitas are one of my favorite go-to meals for busy weeknights!
Loving these fajitas!
I can’t resist mesquite!
always looking for new chicken ideas
I had no idea you could buy chicken already seasoned. What a time saver!
I love chicken fajitas!