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Easy Chicken Fajitas with Lime Crema Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Rosy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Skillet Chicken Fajitas recipe delivers juicy marinated chicken breasts cooked to perfection with sautéed bell peppers and onions, wrapped in warm flour tortillas and topped with a zesty chipotle lime crema. Perfect for quick dinners, these fajitas bring the authentic restaurant flavor to your table with a flavorful marinade and fresh toppings.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 large chicken breasts (sliced horizontally to create 4 fillets, about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke

Vegetables

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced (any mix of colors)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)

Tortillas and Toppings

  • 8-12 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (for crema, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for crema)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (for crema)
  • 1/4 cup packed cilantro, finely chopped
  • Cheese (such as shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, quantity as desired)
  • Guacamole or chopped avocados (quantity as desired)
  • Avocado crema (optional, see Chipotle Lime Crema)
  • Salsa (quantity as desired)
  • Chopped tomatoes (quantity as desired)
  • Black beans (quantity as desired)
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice (for serving, quantity as desired)
  • Additional cilantro for garnish


Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a large freezer bag, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and liquid smoke to create the chicken fajita marinade. Remove 2 tablespoons of this marinade for later use with vegetables.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken fillets to the bag, seal it, and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Make Chipotle Lime Crema (optional): In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, chipotle chili powder, and finely chopped cilantro. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Prepare Chicken: Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dab excess marinade off chicken fillets, then add to the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned or blackened on one side. Flip chicken, cover skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 2-4 minutes more until cooked through. Remove chicken to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing across the grain into strips.
  5. Cook Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet with the leftover juices. Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade. Heat over medium-high heat, then add sliced onions and sauté for 1 minute. Add bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  6. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return sliced chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the pan juices and marinade.
  7. Assemble Fajitas: Warm tortillas and layer each with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Add desired toppings such as chipotle lime crema, cheese, guacamole, salsa, chopped tomatoes, black beans, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but a minimum of 6 hours is sufficient.
  • If you prefer gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with corn or gluten-free tortillas.
  • Chipotle lime crema adds a smoky, tangy kick but can be omitted or substituted with plain sour cream or yogurt.
  • Adjust the chipotle chili powder in the marinade and crema according to your preferred spice level.
  • Leftover fajita mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Use any color bell peppers or a mix to add vibrancy and flavor.
  • These fajitas can also be served as a salad or burrito bowl using the same ingredients.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fajita
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg