Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas shouldn't be complicated, and they should be delicious. Don't overcomplicate things: make these cast iron skillet chicken fajitas and embrace the spicy, steamy goodness.

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Skillet chicken fajitas

I love fajitas. The smell—heavenly. The sound—sizziling. The taste—now, that's where my love really comes from!

Hearing that skillet come around the corner is like hearing the door open and a good friend make their classic entrance. It really is the life of the party!

While many of us have our favorite local Mexican restaurant, there isn't always time (or money in the budget!) to eat out. That's when I knew I had to bring the fajitas to my kitchen, on my terms.

Cast-iron skillet chicken fajitas

Though I prefer a cast-iron skillet for this recipe, it's possible to use any large skillet. However, the way that cast iron retains heat makes it great for both cooking up some searing hot fajitas and serving them to the table.

I've had my cast iron for years and it just keeps getting better and better. These fajitas are one of the dishes it sees most often, and for good reason. They're easy, tasty, and not too bad for cleanup.

Easy chicken fajitas

There are plenty of pre-packaged spice mixes for fajitas out there. Why use this recipe instead?

Well, for one thing, you might just have all these spices on hand already: it's just 5 plus salt and pepper. If not you might want to go and get them to build out your spice collection.

Another reason? You can customize to your heart's content. I've got nothing against pre-made spice mixes, but once you use one, you're kind of stuck with what you've got.

If you start my mixing these spices together yourself, you'll have an idea for what works, what doesn't, and the ability to play around to suit your preference. You're playing the long game, and that's a good choice.

That said, these fajitas are quite straightforward.

Ingredients for easy chicken fajitas

Here's what goes into making a hot skillet of delicious chicken fajitas:

Fajitas

• chicken breast
• olive oil
• bell peppers
• onion
• lime
• cilantro

Seasonings

• chili powder
• cumin
• garlic powder
• paprika
• onion powder
• salt & pepper

Toppings

• avocado, tortillas, tortilla chips, salsa, greek yogurt, etc.

Basically, you're making chicken, peppers, and onions. Then, you're seasoning those and topping them with your favorites. Not too bad, right?

How to make skillet chicken fajitas

Right. So here's how you actually make these bad boys:

Prep

• Gather all ingredients.
• Add all seasonings to a small bowl. Mix well.
• Sprinkle about ¾ the seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken and set aside. (Save about ¼ of the seasoning for the vegetables).
• Chop the bell peppers and onion into very thin slices. Set aside.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it heat up.

Cook

• Add the chicken to the skillet.
• Cook chicken for about 7 mins on each side. (Make sure internal temp hits 165 degrees.)
• Take chicken out of skillet. Set aside and let cool.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil into the heated skillet.
• Add the peppers and onions to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the top of the vegetables.
• Cook for about 7 minutes, stir occasionally.
• While the veggies are cooking, slice the chicken breast into thin strips.
• When vegetables are finished cooking, add the sliced chicken to the skillet.
• Stir together.

Finish and Serve

• Squeeze the lime juice over the top.
• Sprinkle with cilantro.
• Serve with tortillas, tortilla chips, salsa, greek yogurt, cheese, or whatever you like with tortillas!

What toppings go on fajitas?

Obviously, toppings are a great opportunity to really make a dish do what you want. Need some more spice? Pick out a good salsa or hot sauce. Want a burst of citrus from a lime or some cool sour cream? You've got it.

Here's a list of my standby toppings for fajitas:

• cilantro
• lime juice
• cheese
• plain greek yogurt
• sour cream
• salsa

Can you use taco seasoning for fajitas?

Yes! Taco seasoning will add a pleasant flavor profile to your chicken (or whatever other protein you go with).

That said, I recommend a mix of simple spices:

• chili powder
• cumin
• garlic powder
• paprika
• onion powder

Finish that out with salt & pepper and you're really getting some flavor going.

What is the best cheese to use for fajitas?

The best cheese for fajitas is... the one you like the most!

Okay, kidding. But, there's some truth to that. Most fajita arrangements don't actually include cheese in the skillet. If it comes with the dish, it's something served with some of the popular sides (we'll get to those later).

Some possible flavor pairings come with Mexican cheeses like queso fresco or cotija. You could always top with your favorite shredded cheese. The possibilities are there for your to discover!

How do you cut chicken breast for fajita strips?

While it's possible to cut the raw chicken breast into strips before cooking, I like to cook the whole breast and cut after. I find it easier to cook the whole breast evenly (and prevent little pieces from overcooking).

It's also a bit easier to cut a cooked piece of meat after it's had a chance to rest briefly. The delicious, thin strips used in fajitas really benefit from this—at least, in this recipe they do!

How do you know when fajitas are done?

If you're following this recipe, you really want to make sure that the chicken is cooked to a finished temperature (step 8). As for the other ingredients, though there isn't a food safety concern, you want to get the peppers and onions to a point where they've softened up but haven't turned to mush.

Part of timing takes practice and preference. You'll learn how your stove heats, how your skillet retains that heat, and how you like your veggies. There's no losing here, though, because in the end, you're getting fajitas.

We all win with fajitas.

What goes with fajitas?

In U.S.-based Mexican restaurants, fajitas are typically served with another dish that has refried beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce. It's also important not to forget tortillas.

Of course, you're making these at home, so you can serve whatever you want. Have some chocolate cake. Pour a glass of wine. Have... another helping of fajitas!

Looking for more recipes?

Why not try one of these Jordo's World staples:

• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
• Healthy Chicken Enchiladas
• Fish Taco Bowls