Chicken Fajitas

Strips of lime-and-spice marinated chicken hit a ripping-hot skillet alongside sweet charred peppers and onions. The sizzle is half the fun. Pile everything into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

35 mins

Servings

4 servings

Calories

430

Ingredients

• 600g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 teaspoons chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into strips
• 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
• 8 small flour tortillas, warmed

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons of the oil, the lime juice, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until just smoking, then add the remaining oil.
3. Sear the chicken in a single layer for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once, until charred at the edges and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the peppers and onion to the same screaming-hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened with charred spots.
5. Return the chicken to the pan, toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, and squeeze over extra lime juice.
6. Warm the tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet until soft and lightly blistered.
7. Serve the sizzling mixture straight from the skillet with the warm tortillas and bowls of guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese.

Pro tips

• A genuinely smoking-hot pan is non-negotiable — it creates the charred edges that define great fajitas.
• Slice the chicken against the grain so every strip stays tender.
• Do not crowd the skillet; sear in two batches if needed so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
• Warm tortillas wrapped in a clean tea towel stay soft and pliable at the table.

Frequently asked questions