Fajita Chicken and Peppers
Sizzling strips of tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and onions tossed in a vibrant, salt-free spice blend of cumin and smoked paprika. A classic Tex-Mex skillet meal that's full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the spice blend and chicken
- b.In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- c.Place the sliced chicken strips in a medium bowl.
- d.Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the chicken and toss well to coat evenly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the chicken
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- e.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the vegetables
- b.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet.
- c.Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the hot pan.
- d.Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges.
- e.Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and finish
- b.Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- c.Squeeze the fresh lime juice over everything and toss to combine.
- d.Cook for another minute until everything is heated through.
- e.Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spice blend for at least 20 minutes before cooking.
- 2Get your skillet very hot before adding the chicken and vegetables to achieve a good sear and char.
- 3Don't move the chicken around too much in the first couple of minutes to allow a nice crust to form.
- 4Slice the chicken and vegetables into uniform strips for even cooking.
- 5This dish is great for meal prep. Cook a large batch and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- 6Serve with low-carb tortillas, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad to keep the meal light and healthy.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add a can of rinsed and drained black beans along with the chicken for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace the chicken with firm tofu, portobello mushroom strips, or a mix of both. Season and cook them just as you would the chicken.
quickQuick
Use pre-sliced chicken strips and a bag of frozen sliced peppers and onions to cut down on prep time significantly.
spicySpicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice blend or toss in a sliced jalapeño with the bell peppers for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth, without a lot of saturated fat.
Rich in Vitamins
Bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and Vitamin A for eye health.
Heart-Healthy
This recipe is completely free of added salt, making it an ideal choice for managing blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health.
Flavorful Spices
Spices like cumin and paprika not only add flavor but also contain beneficial plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. It's packed with lean protein from chicken and vitamins from the bell peppers. By omitting salt, it becomes an excellent choice for a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet.