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, about 1 1/2 pounds); 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; 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 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); 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); Chopped tomatoes (to taste)

There's something about the sizzle of peppers and chicken filling the kitchen that really hits home. This Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe brings that warm, vibrant energy right to your stovetop, packing all those smoky, tangy flavors you crave fast and fuss-free. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.

The image shows a black skillet filled with several layers of food. The bottom layer is a bed of sautéed colorful vegetables including orange, red, and yellow strips, which look soft and slightly shiny, mixed with green herbs scattered around. On top of these, a thick layer of dark brown and crispy-looking grilled strips of meat is placed unevenly, showing a charred texture on their surfaces. To the side, there are thin slices of light green avocado arranged in a curved, fanned pattern, adding a smooth and creamy contrast to the dish. The skillet sits 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 been making this Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe for years, and it’s quickly become my go-to for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers. The balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors is spot on, and the whole thing comes together so easily—you’ll feel like a pro even if it’s your first time.

Simple yet flavorful: The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken and veggies with bold, smoky goodness.
Quick to cook: After marinating, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 15 minutes—perfect for those nights when time isn’t on your side.
Customize it your way: Whether you like it spicy, mild, with all the fixings, or fresh and light, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Perfect for any gathering: Feed a crowd easily or enjoy a flavorful solo meal without leftovers going to waste.

A black cast iron pan filled with strips of cooked seasoned chicken in the bottom left, dark brown and crispy, mixed with sliced bell peppers in bright red, yellow, and green colors on the right side. Some small green herb leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a purpose—from juicy chicken to vibrant veggies and that creamy, zesty chipotle lime crema that ties it all together.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts, half a red onion thinly sliced, three colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) sliced into strips, a stack of soft flour tortillas, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of dark brown sugar, a small white bowl of bright orange juice, a small white bowl of fresh lime juice, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a small white bowl containing a mix of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, dried oregano, and black pepper, two whole clean brown eggs with uncracked shells, a small white bowl with a creamy white sour cream, a small white bowl with pale mayonnaise, a small white bowl of chopped fresh green cilantro, a small white bowl of shredded yellow cheese, a small white bowl of green guacamole, a small white bowl of bright red chopped tomatoes, a small white bowl of black beans, and a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lime juice, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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: Sliced thin for quick cooking and tender bites, this is your flavor canvas.
Red onion: Adds a sweet sharpness that caramelizes beautifully when sautéed.
Bell peppers: A colorful mix that brings sweetness and crispness for balance.
Olive oil: For sautéing and carrying marinade flavors into the skillet.
Brown sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness to enhance the marinade.
Orange & lime juice: Citrus brightens the marinade, keeping chicken juicy and fresh.
Soy sauce & Dijon mustard: These add umami depth and tang to the marinade mix.
Spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, chipotle, oregano, garlic & onion powders): A smoky, warm spice blend that brings authenticity and a little heat.
Liquid smoke: My secret ingredient—kicks up that smoky flavor without needing a grill.
Chipotle lime crema (sour cream, mayo, lime, chipotle powder & cilantro): Cool and creamy, it’s the perfect foil to the spicy chicken and veggies.
Flour tortillas & toppings: The blank slate for piling it all on—cheese, guacamole, salsa, fresh lime, and more.

📝

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 easy it is to switch things up based on what you have or crave. I love adding extra smoky chipotle for a bold kick, but you can dial it back if you prefer mild flavors or even swap out chicken for steak or shrimp to mix it up.

Variation: I once made this with a combo of chicken and shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist—totally delicious and still cooked in the same skillet, saving time and cleanup.

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

Step 1: Marinate like a pro

Start by whisking together all the marinade ingredients in a large freezer bag. Reserve a couple tablespoons of the marinade for the veggies later—I learned this trick after one marinade tasted a little dull without it. Add the sliced chicken breasts, seal the bag, and toss to coat evenly. Pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better. Trust me, your patience pays off with juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Sear the chicken just right

When you’re ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to help it cook evenly. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot—you want that pan screaming before you add the chicken. Dab off any excess marinade to avoid steaming, then add the fillets. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes so they develop a beautiful brown crust. Flip, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 2-4 minutes depending on thickness. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing; this keeps the meat juicy and tender.

Step 3: Sauté the veggies with extra flavor

While the chicken rests, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with the reserved marinade. Toss in onions first and sauté for a minute, then add your colorful bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re perfectly crisp-tender and just a bit charred at the edges. This step ensures your veggies keep their vibrant color and balance the smoky chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Toss it all together

Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the veggies and toss quickly to coat everything in those wonderful pan juices. This seals the flavors and keeps everything warm and ready to serve.

Step 5: Assemble & enjoy

Warm your tortillas and load up with the chicken and peppers mixture. Top with a generous dollop of the chipotle lime crema (or your favorite toppings) and get ready to dig in.

Top Tip

I’ve perfected this recipe over time, and these little insights make a huge difference in your final dish. You’ll get restaurant-quality fajitas every time if you follow these tips.

Don’t skip the marinade time: The flavor boost is at its best after several hours—in fact, I grab a coffee while waiting and the anticipation makes it even better.
Pat chicken dry before searing: This avoids steaming and lets that beautiful crust form on the surface.
Use high heat on the skillet: A screaming hot pan gives you that coveted char without drying the meat.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed. Crowding causes steaming, and that’s the enemy of crispy edges and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe

skillet chicken fajitas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I never hold back on garnishes. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime are absolutely essential for me. I also love piling on shredded cheese, dollops of guacamole or my favorite avocado crema, a spoonful of salsa, and a little extra sour cream for richness. Each topping adds a new layer of flavor that turns simple into spectacular.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple black beans or a light, refreshing Mexican-style rice. I’ve even served it with a crisp, crunchy Mexican street corn salad on the side for something a little different. The creamy avocado and fresh lime on the fajitas balance all those comforting sides wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve hosted friends, I sometimes turn this into a fajita bar, laying out all the toppings and sides in bowls so everyone can build their perfect fajita. It’s super fun and gets everyone chatting. For a more elegant touch, I’ll serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of warm tortillas with a drizzle of chipotle lime crema and a garnish of microgreens—it looks fantastic and tastes even better.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully without drying out if you warm it gently in a skillet over low heat.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked fajita mixture a few times with good results. Just cool completely before packing into a freezer-safe container. When thawed, reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. It’s perfect for quick meals anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the stove top over the microwave. Just warm a skillet on medium-low heat, add the leftovers, and stir until heated through—this preserves the texture and adds a touch of fresh caramelization that makes it taste like new.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a little fattier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, giving you super juicy fajitas. Just slice them thinly like the breasts and keep an eye on cooking time since thighs might take a bit longer.

How spicy is this recipe?

This version has a nice smoky heat thanks to the chipotle chili powder, but it's not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the chipotle powder in both the marinade and crema, or add a pinch of cayenne if you want more kick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas or serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of rice or in lettuce wraps for a delicious gluten-free option.

What toppings work best with these chicken fajitas?

I love simple classics like shredded cheese, guacamole, fresh diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. The chipotle lime crema adds that creamy smoky touch, but you can also try sliced jalapeños, salsa, or even pickled onions for added punch.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something truly special, and I love sharing it because it’s so reliable, versatile, and downright delicious. You’ll enjoy how satisfying it feels to make your own restaurant-worthy fajitas right at home—give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a family favorite fast.