Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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These chicken fajitas are easy to make and have amazing seasoning. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Simply pan-fry peppers and onions, then sauté chicken. Mix everything together and serve!

Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

These chicken fajitas are so good! They're one of my favorite weeknight dinners. They’re easy, intensely flavorful, and - just as important - ready fast. From start to finish, this recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, including chopping the vegetables.

Mexican food is always delicious. In addition to these fajitas, I greatly enjoy recipes such as jalapeno poppers, slow cooker carnitas, and keto taco salad.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Chicken Fajitas Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Mexican Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

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Here’s an overview of the ingredients needed to make these chicken fajitas. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

  • Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers. I like to use three different colors for the peppers – it looks so pretty! You can also use frozen pre-sliced peppers, as I do in the video below. They add a bit more liquid to the dish, but the convenience is worth it.
  • Chicken breast: I use boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe, sliced fairly thinly.
  • Spices: Salt and pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  • Avocado oil: This oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking.

Variations

  • If you'd like to marinate the chicken, mix half the spices with a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of lime juice. Place the chicken strips in a resealable bag and add the marinade, spreading it all over the chicken. Seal and marinate for two hours in the fridge.
  • Play with your spices! In addition to those listed in the recipe card, tasty options that I tried and enjoyed include onion powder and dried thyme. You can add ½ teaspoon of each to the seasoning mix.

Chicken Fajitas Instructions

The detailed instructions for making this recipe are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of the steps:

Slice the chicken and vegetables.

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Combine the spices in two bowls, half the spices in each. One bowl will season the chicken, and the second will season the vegetables.

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Season the veggies with half the seasoning mix and cook them. Set aside.

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Season the chicken with the second half of the mix and cook it.

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Add the vegetables back to the skillet and cook briefly.

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Serve immediately.

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Expert Tip

If you use frozen sliced peppers, they will release water into the dish. You can thicken the cooking liquids by stirring in a cornstarch slurry – 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 ½ tablespoons of cold water.

Recipe FAQs

What is fajita?

Fajitas are a Tex-Mex dish of marinated and grilled strips of meat (beef or chicken) served on top of cooked onions and peppers.

This dish is typically served with soft tortillas, which the diners stuff with the meat/vegetable mixture.

What toppings go on fajitas?

Popular toppings include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese.

Do you need to marinate chicken for fajitas?

You can, and it will make the chicken more tender. But you don't have to. Since making this recipe quickly is a top priority for me, I don't marinate the chicken, and it still comes out tasty and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally, fajitas are served in flour tortillas. But they’re just as good simply piled on a plate. Sometimes, I serve them in lettuce cups or on top of cauliflower rice.

You can top the fajitas with guacamole, sour cream (as shown in the photo below), salsa, and/or shredded cheese.

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Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power.

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More Mexican Recipes

  • Steak Fajitas
  • Pork Rind Keto Nachos
  • Keto Taco Salad
  • Keto Tacos

Recipe Card

Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (16)

4.96 from 256 votes

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Easy Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are easy to make, and their seasoning is amazing. Simply pan-fry peppers and onions, cook the chicken, mix, and serve!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 363kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

Seasoning mix:

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Fajitas:

  • 3 medium bell peppers cut into thin strips (or 1 pound of frozen sliced peppers)
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil

Optional, to thicken the sauce if using frozen peppers:

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 ½ tablespoon cold water

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the seasoning ingredients: sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. You can divide each of the spices in half and mix them in two different bowls. Half will season the veggies, and half will season the chicken.

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  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers, onions, and half the seasoning mix. Cook, stirring often, until just tender, about 5 minutes. If the bottom of the skillet becomes too dry, add a little water, a tablespoon at a time. You can also reduce the heat to medium.

    Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (18)

  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables onto a plate. Add the remaining oil to the skillet, then add the chicken slices with the second half of the seasonings. Stir-fry until the chicken is almost fully cooked, about 4 minutes. Again, if the bottom of the skillet becomes too dry while you cook the chicken, add a little water.

    Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (19)

  • Return the vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the dish is heated through.

    Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)

  • Serve the fajitas in bowls, drizzled with the pan juices, and topped (if you wish) with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and/or shredded cheddar. You can also spoon them into warm tortillas or serve them in lettuce cups.

    Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (21)

Video

Notes

  • If you'd like to marinate the chicken, mix half the spices with a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of lime juice. Place the chicken strips in a resealable bag and add the marinade, spreading it all over the chicken. Seal and marinate for two hours in the fridge.
  • You can thicken the cooking liquids by stirring in a cornstarch slurry – 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 ½ tablespoons of cold water. This is optional and only needed if you've used frozen bell peppers, which release water into the dish.
  • The nutrition info does not include cornstarch, tortillas, or toppings.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 0.25recipe | Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 516mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (32) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Elizabeth

    Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (33)
    Followed recipe exactly as written and it turned out awesome. This was the perfect amount of seasoning; didn’t even need to add additional salt or anything. Served it on flour tortillas with Spanish rice, shredded lettuce, guac, and grated cheese.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Elizabeth! Thank you for leaving a comment.

      Reply

Easy Chicken Fajitas - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Are chicken fajitas a healthy option? ›

Fajitas use one of the healthiest available cooking methods: grilling. They also come with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, which are valuable sources of antioxidants. Go for shrimp or white-meat chicken, instead of steak, to avoid the saturated fat content of red meat.

What is the healthiest way to eat fajitas? ›

Add in extra fresh veggies, such as peppers whilst cooking, then fresh tomatoes, lettuce and avocado when building your fajita to increase the nutrients. By making your own guacamole, salsa and refried beans you know exactly what has gone in to them with no added sugar or salt.

Are frozen peppers good for fajitas? ›

Great ways to use your frozen peppers

So good! Or try a red pepper pureed creamy soup! They'll warm your heart with memories of summer flavor! Fajitas: Slice your onions and sauté until browning, quickly throw in frozen peppers to warm through and voila you're ready for fajitas.

Are chicken fajitas low in cholesterol? ›

Fajitas can be a tasty and healthy Mexican dish. Make sure that you use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of beef to help lower the cholesterol content. Fajitas don't come with cheese, so the dish is fairly low in cholesterol.

Can I eat fajitas on a diet? ›

A great way to eat healthily at a Mexican restaurant is to choose grilled foods. Instead of ordering a chimichanga or taquito, opt for steak, chicken or shrimp fajitas. Fajitas are much healthier than fried items but are just as filling; they taste even better when flavored with peppers and onions.

Are Mexican restaurant Chicken Fajitas healthy? ›

Are fajitas at Mexican restaurants healthy? They are one of the healthier items on the menu, basically grilled meat with veggies (onions and peppers) and seasoning. The bad part is in the Tortilla's, rice, and refried beans that usually come with it.

Are Mexican fajitas unhealthy? ›

Even a seemingly healthful order of grilled chicken fajitas with the standard accompaniments can top 1,500 calories, 150 grams of carbs and 1,600 mg sodium.

What Mexican dish is the healthiest? ›

The experts say the healthiest Mexican menu options include grilled chicken dishes, which we offer in our tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled chimi, la tapatia, Pollo Jalisco, and more. The shredded chicken in our Flautas comes sautéed with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

Are fajitas better with corn or flour tortillas? ›

Corn tortillas go well with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. They are also perfect for use in tostadas, sopes, and quesadillas. Flour tortillas are often used in burritos, fajitas, and chimichangas. They are also great for making quesadillas, sweet dishes like dessert tacos, and breakfast burritos.

What can you substitute for peppers in fajitas? ›

Although bell peppers is certainly the classic pepper to use for veggie fajitas, any color vegetables will do. Try Anaheim or poblano peppers. They are both spicier, yet mild peppers to try for a spin on these fajita vegetables. Zucchini, portobello mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes would also be great!

What are the best onions for fajitas? ›

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the right onion for your fajitas. You can go for the traditional white or yellow onions, offering a more savory option, or experiment with sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla to add a subtle sweetness to your dish.

How to order healthy fajitas? ›

How to Order Healthier Fajitas: Flour tortillas are high in salt and sugar, so best to ask for corn tortillas instead, or better yet, say no to tortillas altogether. Ask for steak, chicken, chicken, shrimp, Portobello mushroom, or a combo. Watch out for toppings like fried onions, cheese, and sour cream.

Are eggs bad for cholesterol? ›

One large egg has about 186 mg of cholesterol — all of which is found in the yolk. If your diet contains little other cholesterol, according to some studies, eating up to an egg a day might be an OK choice. If you like eggs but don't want the cholesterol, use only the egg whites.

Can I eat eggs with high cholesterol? ›

People with raised cholesterol often wonder if it's OK to eat eggs, as egg yolk is rich in cholesterol. Generally speaking, as part of a healthy, balanced diet, it should be fine for most people, as the cholesterol in eggs does not have a significant effect on blood cholesterol.

Are fajitas at Mexican restaurant healthy? ›

Try these healthier entrees:

Fajitas: Fajitas come with sautéed veggies and meat which you can portion into your choice of shell. Keep this dish on the lighter side by avoiding the sour cream and refried beans that come on the side. They are high in calories and unhealthy fats.

Are chicken fajitas high in fat? ›

The favorite choice for the term "Fajitas" is 1 Fajita with Chicken and Vegetables which has about 12 grams of fat. The total fat, saturated fat and other fats for a variety of types and serving sizes of Fajitas is shown below.

What is the nutritional value of chicken fajitas? ›

Chicken fajita (1 each - 6" diameter tortilla) contains 21.3g total carbs, 19.2g net carbs, 10.6g fat, 14.7g protein, and 240 calories.

Are chicken fajitas nutrition? ›

Fajita with chicken and vegetables contains 370 calories per 230 g serving. This serving contains 17 g of fat, 22 g of protein and 34 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 6.4 g sugar and 3.5 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate.

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