Are you looking for the best chicken fajitas recipe? You have come to the right place! I bet you have all of the ingredients in your home as we speak!
Have you ever made Grilled Chicken Fajitas? I mean, a recipe where you literally grill EVERY ingredient?
- Grilled chicken? Yup.
- Grilled peppers and onions? Yup… and slightly charred. SO. GOOD.
- Grilled flour tortillas? Yup.
And the best part? Grilling everything, the chicken and vegetables, gives the fajitas an unmatched smoky flavor that you just can’t get from cooking indoors.
Our camping adventure isn’t complete if we haven’t made chicken fajitas on the grill!
It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and make meal prep a fun, communal experience. So, fire up the grill and get ready to savor some truly delicious chicken fajitas!
Must Try Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe
I don’t know why it took me so long to do make a chicken fajita recipe this way, but man, these are good.
This recipe will give you everything—the spice rub, how to grill the vegetables, and more. Trust me, tonight is chicken fajitas night!
First, chop up the peppers and onions. Green peppers will work, but the sweetness of red/yellow/orange peppers works better.
Slice one onion and 1-2 peppers. Season them with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and then mix them well.
You should start grilling these before the chicken, as they will take longer to cook (20 – 30 minutes), and you should use a grilling platter for this.
Now for the chicken. First, pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness or slice chicken breasts lengthwise.
This will help the chicken to be seasoned better and to cook more quickly and evenly.
Combine all the spices in a small bowl and mix them well. Then add the lime juice and about 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the spices and then rub it onto the chicken breasts.
Next, toss them on the grill next to the vegetables (which you should stir often so that they get evenly charred but not burned).
The chicken will probably take about 10 minutes to cook on high. Make sure to flip them at least once.
Once the chicken and the vegetables are done, throw on a few flour tortillas and grill them for about 2 minutes per side.
Keep your eye on them, though. Once they start to burn, they will turn black pretty quickly. You just want some nice grill marks and a little bit of crispiness, but they should be soft enough to fold.
Grab your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 - 2 red orange and/or yellow bell peppers
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 6-8 flour tortillas
Instructions
- Pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness, or slice the chicken breast lengthwise.
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl and mix them well.
- Add the lime juice and about 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the spices and then rub it into the chicken.
- Preheat grill on high.
- Thinly slice peppers and onions.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the vegetables with 2 Tbsp olive oil and some salt and pepper.
- Add vegetables to a grill tray and cook until soft and just a little charred, stirring often.
- Add the chicken to the grill and cook until done, flipping at least once.
- Remove meat and vegetables from the grill.
- Grill flour tortillas for just a few minutes being careful not to burn them.
- Slice the chicken into strips.
- Serve with your favorite toppings (cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, hot peppers etc)
Recipe Swaps
One of the joys of making chicken fajitas is the versatility of the recipe. Here are a few substitutions you can make to cater to different tastes or dietary needs:
The Meat
If chicken isn’t your choice, you can easily swap it out for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
The key is to ensure that your protein is well-marinated to soak up all those delicious flavors.
The Veggies
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables.
Zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus make excellent additions or replacements for bell peppers and onions.
Each vegetable brings its unique flavor and texture to the dish, even if they aren’t the typical vegetables for chicken fajitas—they’ll just make it even tastier!
The Seasoning
My homemade fajita seasoning is so tasty, but you can tinker with my recipe to make it how you like it.
You can modify the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding other spices, such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
For a milder version, reduce the chili and add more cumin and garlic powder for depth of flavor.
A milder alternative to regular chili powder, it adds a subtle smokiness and richer flavor.
Want a bit of sweetness for the heat? Adding a teaspoon to your spice mix can introduce a caramelized sweetness that balances the heat of the chili powder.
For an uncomplicated dry rub, store-bought taco seasoning is a convenient option.
These pre-mixed spices generally contain a balanced blend of seasonings such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and sometimes even a hint of lime or sugar.
It depends on the one you buy, and taco seasoning isn’t the same as fajita seasoning, but use what you have at home, Mama- gotta make it easier at dinner time!
The Tortillas
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work wonderfully and offer a different but equally delicious texture.
You could also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative, plus there are keto/low carb tortillas that are so similar to regular flour tortillas.
I’ve thought about switching because no one noticed the difference either!
The Toppings
The toppings are where it’s at and can make or break your whole dinner!
For a hearty touch, I like to include options such as black beans or refried beans for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
A side of grilled corn, with its subtle sweetness and smoky flavor, is a perfect addition to my chicken fajita recipe.
I especially enjoy sprinkling a combination of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses over the top.
A dollop of sour cream is also a personal favorite. It adds a creamy richness that balances the spices of my fajitas so well.
Adding grilled pineapple rings to your fajita spread introduces a sweet and tangy element that contrasts wonderfully with the savory spices. The caramelized sugars add an extra layer of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
What’s more, the fresh and creamy guacamole with mild or spicy salsa provides a cool contrast to the warm, smoky flavors of my fajitas.
Serve It Up
Serving up chicken fajitas with complementary sides and toppings can elevate your meal to a fiesta.
I like to serve up chicken fajitas, transforming any meal into a fiesta by pairing it with a variety of complementary sides and toppings.
I serve it with Mexican Rice, a classic side that absorbs all the extra juices and flavors from my fajitas, resulting in a truly wholesome meal.
Apart from the classic combinations, there are plenty of creative and delicious sides that can complement your chicken fajitas, adding both flavor and excitement to your meal.
Elote (Mexican street corn) can be served as a zesty, crunchy side that brightens up the whole meal. It’s grilled corn, cotija cheese, lime juice, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
For a lighter, protein-packed option, consider serving a quinoa chicken fajita salad with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a lime-cilantro dressing. It can be a filling, nutritious dinner!
A crisp and tangy slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a lime-cilantro dressing offers a refreshing contrast and crunch to the warm, spicy fajitas.
FAQs
What makes fajitas different than tacos?
Fajitas are typically made with grilled meat, while tacos can have a variety of fillings such as ground beef, shredded chicken, or vegetables.
Fajitas also typically include grilled peppers and onions.
Can I use different types of protein for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken breasts with steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use taco seasoning to make chicken fajitas?
Yes, you can use taco seasoning for a quick and easy option. Fajitas don’t usually have as much oregano or chili powder as taco seasoning does, but most people don’t mind the difference.
I think making your own spice rub will give the fajitas a unique and delicious flavor, but do whatever is easiest, Mama!
Are there other ways to make chicken fajitas?
Yes, you can make chicken fajitas in the oven or on the stovetop if you don’t have a grill or can’t grill because of the weather.
For a quick and easy meal, try making sheet pan chicken fajitas. All you need to do is preheat your oven, slice your ingredients, season, and roast for 20-25 minutes.
For a charred flavor without taking out the grill, a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat will do the trick.
Sear your chicken, add veggies, season, and cook for about 10 minutes. Enjoy these simple yet delicious fajita-making methods on your busy weeknights.
What toppings should I put out for chicken fajitas?
Some popular toppings for chicken fajitas include shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro.
But feel free to get creative and add your own favorite toppings! I know so many people who add mango, pineapple, and other sweet and tangy flavors, and I need to try that soon.
What sides would go best with chicken fajitas?
Rice and beans are a classic side dish for chicken fajitas. You can also serve them with a simple salad or some grilled vegetables. Don’t forget the tortilla chips and salsa, too!
Final Thoughts
As a mom, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the excitement in my daughters’ eyes when we hit the great outdoors for a camping trip.
One of the highlights of our adventures? Grilling the perfect chicken fajitas together!
Remember, it’s not just about grilling chicken fajitas; it’s about making them your own and, most importantly, enjoying the process. So, don’t be afraid to mix things up and get creative!
Each ingredient and every flip of the chicken brings us closer together – cooking should be enjoyable and stress-free, even (or especially!) when camping.
So whether it’s a regular weekend trip or a special camping vacation, our family’s chicken fajitas are always a hit. Happy grilling, and enjoy every delicious, memory-filled bite!
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Have you tried this with flank steak?
I love this recipe. It couldn’t be easier and it is so tasty. It’s one of our household favorites. I love that the spice mix is not loaded up with sodium like commercially available blends. Thanks for a family favorite!
Love this recipe very simple and tastes great I cool all the time at my restaurant so it’s nice to find easy recipes like this one
We make this all the time and LOVE it. I’m wanting to make this for a big party so I’m trying to figure out how to do this in a crock pot… do you think it would work? Maybe just add some chicken broth so it doesn’t dry out while it cooks??