Fajita Chicken and Peppers
Juicy, smoky chicken strips seared alongside colorful bell peppers and onions in a sizzling skillet. This Tex-Mex classic brings the restaurant experience home with a punchy lime-cumin marinade and comes together in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight crowd-pleaser.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Marinate the chicken strips.
1.In a bowl, combine lime juice, cumin powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.2.Add the chicken strips and toss well to coat evenly.3.Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables.TIPDon't marinate longer than 15 minutes — the lime juice will start to firm the chicken. - saute · ~6 min
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.2.Add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer.3.Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until charred and cooked through (165°F internal).4.Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed to get a proper sear. - saute · ~5 min
Cook the peppers and onions.
1.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the same skillet.2.Add sliced bell peppers and onions.3.Sauté over high heat, tossing frequently, until crisp-tender and slightly charred at edges (4-5 minutes).TIPKeep the vegetables moving — you want charred edges but still-crisp texture. - mix · ~1 min
Combine chicken with the vegetables.
1.Return the seared chicken strips to the skillet with the peppers and onions.2.Toss everything together over high heat for 1 minute until heated through. - garnish
Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Transfer to a warm serving platter, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and bring the sizzling skillet to the table.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Get the skillet smoking hot before adding the chicken for the best crust.
- 2Pat the chicken strips dry before marinating to help the spices cling better.
- 3Work in batches if needed — overcrowding the pan steams the chicken instead of searing it.
- 4Cut peppers and onions into similar-sized strips so they cook evenly.
- 5Rest the seared chicken on a plate while the veggies cook to keep it juicy.
- 6Taste a piece of bell pepper before combining — you want a slight crunch, not limp.
- 7Warm your serving platter in a low oven so the fajitas stay sizzling at the table.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use a non-stick pan and reduce oil to 1 tablespoon total; spritz with cooking spray as needed for a lighter, lower-fat version.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs — they stay juicier and pack even more protein per serving.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace chicken with 400g extra-firm tofu (pressed and sliced into strips) or large portobello mushroom strips; marinate the same way and sear until charred.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the marinade for a smoky heat that mimics restaurant-style fajitas.
low carbLow-carb
Serve the fajita chicken and peppers over a bed of lettuce leaves or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas for a keto-friendly meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides a substantial source of lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in Vitamin C
Bell peppers and lime juice deliver a hefty dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Good Source of Antioxidants
Smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin are rich in antioxidant compounds that help fight oxidative stress.
Naturally Gluten-Free
This recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving; just cook them a minute or two longer to reach 165°F.



