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Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onion, easy skillet chicken dinner recipes
Brittany Stage

Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onion

Strips of marinated chicken breast cook alongside sliced bell peppers and onion in a hot skillet over high heat, building smoky charred edges and big flavor in under 20 minutes. Serve straight from the pan with warm flour tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1/2-inch strips against the grain
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided, plus more for the pan
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 3 bell peppers 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green, seeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 large yellow onion halved and sliced into half-moon strips
  • 8 flour tortillas warmed, for serving
  • 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
  • 1/2 cup salsa for serving
  • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving

Equipment

  • 12-inch cast iron skillet or large heavy skillet
  • tongs
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Add the chicken strips and toss until every piece is coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator if you are planning ahead.
  2. Set a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat and let it get very hot, about 2 to 3 minutes. The pan should feel intensely hot when you hold your hand a few inches above it. Add about 1 teaspoon of oil and swirl it to coat the bottom.
  3. Lift the chicken strips out of the marinade with tongs, letting any excess drip off, and lay them in the skillet in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. If needed, cook in two batches. Let the chicken sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so it gets real color on the bottom. Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through and the edges have some char. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced peppers and onion in a single layer. Again, resist the urge to stir constantly. Let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes so they pick up some color on the bottom, then toss and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and the peppers have charred edges. Season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the peppers and onion and toss everything together. Cook for 1 more minute so the flavors come together and the chicken heats through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or a squeeze of lime juice.
  6. Serve the fajita filling straight from the skillet with warm flour tortillas, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges on the side. Set the skillet on a trivet at the table and let everyone build their own. The filling holds well in the pan over the lowest heat setting for about 10 minutes if dinner is not quite ready.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the skillet or the chicken and vegetables will steam instead of char. Cook in batches if your pan is smaller than 12 inches.