Sizzlin’ Smoky Chicken and Pepper Fajitas Recipe for Taco Lovers

Sizzling aromas of spices and grilled chicken waft through the kitchen, promising a delightful smoky chicken and pepper fajitas experience.

Mexican-inspired dishes never fail to spark excitement at the dinner table.

The combination of tender meat and vibrant peppers creates a mouthwatering meal that dances with flavor.

Each ingredient carefully selected brings depth and character to this classic recipe.

Fresh vegetables and perfectly seasoned chicken come together in a quick and satisfying feast.

Warm tortillas wrap around the colorful fillings, making every bite an adventure of taste and texture.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible fajitas that bring restaurant-quality magic right to your home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Smoky Chicken and Pepper Fajitas

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose fresh, tender cuts with minimal fat for juicy, lean protein that absorbs spices beautifully.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salted Butter: Creates rich, golden sear and adds deep, luxurious flavor to chicken and vegetables.

• Garlic, Yellow Onion: Provides robust, layered base flavor that elevates the entire dish with sweet and pungent notes.
• Bell Peppers, Poblano Pepper: Adds vibrant color, crisp texture, and smoky-sweet undertones that complement the chicken perfectly.

• Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cumin, Dried Oregano: Crafts an authentic southwestern spice profile with deep, complex warmth and earthy depth.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Flakes: Balances and intensifies overall seasoning, adding subtle heat and perfect seasoning.

• Tortillas: Soft, warm carriers that transform ingredients into handheld deliciousness.
• Cotija Cheese, Limes, Cilantro: Bright, fresh toppings that add tangy, herbal, and creamy finishing touches.

• Cream Cheese, Salsa Verde, Pickled Jalapeños: Creates a smooth, zesty sauce with creamy texture and vibrant, tangy kick.

Tools for Chicken and Pepper Fajitas

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and cooking vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and poblano peppers safely.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing chicken and vegetables with precision.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately portion spices like paprika, chili powder, and cumin.
• Whisk: Great for creating smooth, creamy sauce by blending cream cheese and salsa verde.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping chicken and handling tortillas during cooking and serving.
• Serving Plate: Ideal for presenting your delicious fajitas with all the toppings.

Steps to Cook Smoky Chicken Fajitas

• Spice Infusion Massage chicken with a vibrant blend of smoky seasonings, creating a flavor explosion that will awaken your taste buds. The key is coating every inch of the meat with a robust mix of spices that promise a mouthwatering adventure.
• Sizzling Transformation Heat skillet to screaming hot temperatures, allowing chicken to develop a golden-brown crust that seals in all the incredible flavors. Toss in garlic and chili flakes during the final moments for an extra flavor punch.
• Vegetable Symphony Introduce colorful bell peppers and onions to the skillet, letting them dance and caramelize until they reach peak tenderness. The vegetables will create a vibrant base that complements the spiced chicken perfectly.
• Creamy Dreamy Sauce Craft a luscious verde sauce by gently melting cream cheese with salsa verde, whisking until silky smooth. A hint of jalapeños adds a playful heat that elevates the entire dish.
• Fajita Finale Warm tortillas and assemble your creation, layering the spice-kissed chicken and roasted vegetables. Crown with the creamy verde sauce, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and add a touch of cheese for the ultimate flavor explosion.

Tips for Flavor-Packed Chicken Fajitas

• Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an extra deep, smoky essence that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Adjust chili flakes and jalapeños based on personal heat tolerance – remove seeds for milder results or add extra for serious heat lovers.
• Marinate chicken overnight in the spice blend to develop richer, more intense flavors before cooking – refrigerate in sealed container for maximum taste absorption.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, steak, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for delicious alternative protein experiences that work perfectly with this recipe's seasoning blend.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to increase nutritional value and create more colorful, exciting fajita combinations that keep the meal interesting and nutritious.

Serving Chicken Fajitas with Sizzle

• Festive Fajita Fiesta: Serve these sizzling fajitas on a large wooden board with colorful garnishes scattered around for a stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
• Taco Night Transform: Create a build-your-own fajita station with warm tortillas, extra sauce, chopped herbs, and various toppings so guests can customize their perfect bite.
• Fresh and Zesty Accompaniments: Pair with Mexican-style street corn, a crisp cabbage slaw, or a bright citrus salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors of the chicken and peppers.
• Family-Style Feast: Spread the chicken and peppers in a large serving dish, place tortillas in a warming basket, and let everyone gather around to create their own delicious wraps together.

Keeping Chicken and Pepper Fajitas Fresh

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Dice chicken and slice veggies ahead of time to cut cooking time by 15-20 minutes during busy weeknights, storing prepped ingredients in sealed containers within your refrigerator.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover fajita mixture in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping chicken and vegetable components separate from tortillas to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy wrapping.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion cooked chicken and pepper mixture into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. These meals stay delicious for approximately 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed fajita filling in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Quickly toast tortillas right before serving to ensure maximum flavor and fresh-like experience.

Sizzling Chicken and Pepper Fajitas Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling Smoky Chicken and Pepper Fajitas blend Mexican culinary traditions with bold spices and charred vegetables. Cilantro-lime marinade and caramelized peppers create a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 poblano pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsps smoked paprika
• 2 tsp chili powder or tajin
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• Chili flakes
• 8 to 10 tortillas, warmed
• Cotija cheese (for serving)
• Limes (for serving)
• Cilantro (for serving)
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese at room temperature
• 0.75 cup salsa verde
• 1 to 3 tbsps pickled jalapeños, chopped

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Blend paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a robust seasoning mix for the chicken.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, then carefully place seasoned chicken pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior, cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Flavor Enhancement: During the final cooking moments, introduce minced garlic, red chili flakes, and unsalted butter to elevate the chicken’s taste profile.
4. Vegetable Medley: In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions until translucent, then add julienned bell peppers and diced poblano peppers, cooking until vegetables are tender yet maintain a slight crispness.
5. Sauce Creation: In a separate saucepan, melt cream cheese and salsa verde, whisking until smooth, with an optional addition of finely chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
6. Tortilla Preparation: Warm corn or flour tortillas on a griddle or directly over a gas flame to enhance their texture and flavor.
7. Fajita Assembly: Combine cooked chicken with sautéed vegetables, then fill warm tortillas, topping with creamy verde sauce, fresh cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco.

Notes

• Spice Coating Technique: Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the spice mixture for maximum flavor penetration.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Vegetable Texture Tip: Sauté peppers and onions quickly to maintain a crisp-tender texture, preventing them from becoming soggy or overcooked.
• Sauce Whisking Strategy: Continuously whisk cream cheese and salsa verde to create a smooth, lump-free verde sauce with consistent creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg