Go Back
- 1 lb chicken breast - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice and zest of 2 limes - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1 onion - Salt and pepper - Tortillas (flour or corn) - Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, sour cream To make zesty lime chicken fajitas, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Start with chicken breast. It gives a great base for this dish. Olive oil adds richness and helps flavors blend. Lime juice and zest bring a bright, zesty kick that makes this meal pop. Spices are key for flavor. Chili powder adds heat, while cumin gives warmth. Garlic powder boosts the savory taste. Don't forget salt and pepper; they enhance every bite. For a colorful twist, use a bell pepper and onion. They add sweetness and crunch. Finally, tortillas wrap all these flavors in a warm shell. You can choose flour or corn, depending on your taste. Optional toppings like avocado, salsa, and sour cream allow you to customize your fajitas. These add creaminess and freshness, making each bite even better. Enjoy the mix of tastes and textures! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon to mix everything well. Make sure the chicken gets fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. You can let it sit up to 1 hour for even more flavor. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns white and is no longer pink inside. Now, it’s time to add the vegetables. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for another 5 minutes. Cook until the veggies become tender and have nice brown spots. While the chicken and veggies are cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan or microwave. Once warm, take a tortilla and place a good amount of the chicken and vegetable mix in the center. Top with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings you like, such as avocado slices, salsa, or sour cream. Enjoy! To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. For richer taste, I suggest marinating up to an hour. The lime juice adds a bright zest. You can adjust the seasoning based on your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder. For a deeper flavor, consider mixing in smoked paprika. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. This temperature helps the chicken sear nicely. When you add the chicken, let it sit for a minute before stirring. This way, it can brown well. Stir occasionally to cook evenly, ensuring no piece is left undercooked. Fajitas pair well with sides like rice or refried beans. You can also serve them with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. For drinks, try a chilled margarita or a refreshing limeade. These drinks complement the zesty flavors of the fajitas. Enjoy your meal with friends for a fun dining experience! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator. High Heat for Perfect Searing: Use a hot skillet to sear the chicken and vegetables. This will create a nice char and enhance the dish's overall flavor and texture. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the fajita mix for added nutrition and flavor. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of toppings such as diced avocado, fresh salsa, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the dish. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Beef works great, giving a rich flavor. Shrimp is quick and tasty. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Just cut it into strips and marinate it like the chicken. Each choice adds a unique twist to your fajitas. Seasonal veggies can change the taste and color. Try zucchini or mushrooms for a fresh touch. You can also use corn for sweetness. Mixing in seasonal favorites keeps the dish exciting. Don’t hesitate to experiment with what you have on hand. Adjusting the spice level is easy. For a milder taste, reduce chili powder. You can also skip the pepper if you want it less hot. If you love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne. This way, you can make the dish just right for your taste buds. To keep your leftover fajitas fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the chicken and veggies in the container. Make sure to keep the tortillas separate to prevent them from getting soggy. Refrigerate the container right away. The fajitas will stay good for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them properly. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and veggies to the skillet. Stir them for about five minutes until they are hot. If you prefer, you can also use a microwave. Place the fajitas in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for one to two minutes, checking often to avoid overheating. To freeze fajitas, let them cool completely. Place the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For best taste, use them within three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave as described earlier. You can marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes. For deeper flavor, go for 1 hour. The lime juice helps tenderize the meat. Yes, you can prep the chicken and veggies ahead. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to eat, just cook them. Flour tortillas are soft and easy to fold. Corn tortillas are more traditional and gluten-free. Choose what you enjoy most! Absolutely! Try paprika for smokiness or cayenne for heat. Experiment with herbs like oregano for a fresh twist. You can grill the chicken and veggies instead. Use a grill pan or outdoor grill. Just ensure everything cooks evenly. Fajitas are quick, tasty, and fun to make. You learned about key ingredients, marinating tips, and cooking steps. I shared variations and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, you can adjust spices and proteins based on your taste. Fajitas are versatile, perfect for any meal. Enjoy creating your own version with friends and family. Cooking can be simple and enjoyable!

Zesty Lime Chicken Fajitas

A flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken with bell peppers and onions, served in tortillas.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 limes juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (red or yellow)
  • 1 onion sliced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving tortillas (flour or corn)
  • optional avocado slices, salsa, sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour for more flavor).
  • Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet.
  • Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is no longer pink and cooked through.
  • Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
  • Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until pliable.
  • To serve, place a generous amount of the chicken and vegetable mixture on each tortilla and top with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings you desire.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for enhanced flavor.
Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, fajitas, lime