Life moves at a lightning fast pace, doesn’t it? Between work, school, and all the daily to dos, finding time to cook a delicious and wholesome meal can feel like a huge challenge. You want something tasty, something everyone will actually eat, and honestly, something that won’t leave your kitchen looking like a disaster zone.
Well, what if I told you there’s a solution that checks all those boxes and more? Get ready to add an incredible chicken fajita recipe to your collection of easy dinner recipes for family. This dish is a game changer for busy weeknights, packed with flavor, and super simple to throw together.
Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to a vibrant, customizable feast that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s one of those simple dinner ideas that just works, every single time.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seriously, there are so many reasons why this chicken fajita recipe is about to become a staple in your home. First off, it’s incredibly fast. We are talking about a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best quick dinner recipes for family you could ask for.
Busy parents, rejoice! You don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something spectacular. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, which is exactly what we all need after a long day.
Beyond speed, this dish is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The perfectly seasoned chicken, tender crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions create a symphony for your taste buds. It’s a delightful escape from the usual dinner routine, offering a little bit of sunshine on a plate.
And let’s not forget the customization factor. Everyone in the family can build their own fajitas just the way they like them. Whether it’s extra salsa, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cheese, this meal caters to all preferences.
It’s also a fantastic option for an easy healthy dinner. Loaded with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of colorful vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. You can feel good about serving this to your loved ones.
Plus, it’s a fantastic kid friendly dinner. The mild spices and fun, interactive nature of building your own meal make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters. They might even discover a new favorite vegetable!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to any great meal, and for this one, it’s super straightforward. You probably have many of these items in your pantry right now. This simple list keeps things easy and budget friendly.
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast (raw)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 bell peppers (cut into very thin slices)
- 1 onion (cut into very thin slices)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, tortillas, tortilla chips, salsa, Greek yogurt, cheese, etc.
Step By Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to bring this fantastic dinner to life. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a flavorful meal, perfect for any night you need easy dinner recipes for family.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First things first, gather all your ingredients. Having everything laid out and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother. It’s a little trick that saves a lot of time and makes this one of those truly quick dinner recipes for family.
Step 2: Mix Your Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix. This homemade seasoning blend is what gives your fajitas that authentic, delicious taste.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle about three quarters of your mixed seasoning evenly over both sides of the raw chicken breast. Don’t be shy; really get that flavor in there! Set the seasoned chicken aside for a moment.
You will save the remaining one quarter of the seasoning for your vegetables later. This ensures everything gets a nice flavor boost.
Step 4: Prep the Veggies
Chop your bell peppers and onion into very thin slices. The thinner they are, the quicker they will cook and the better they will meld with the chicken. Set these colorful veggies aside.
Step 5: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Let it get nice and hot. A good hot skillet is key for getting that perfect sear on your chicken and caramelization on your vegetables.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the heated skillet and let it warm up. Then, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about seven minutes on each side.
Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. This is a crucial step for any easy healthy dinner.
Step 7: Rest the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board. Let it cool for a few minutes. This resting period helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
Step 8: Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil into the same heated skillet. Then, toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the top of the vegetables.
Cook for about seven minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be tender crisp, retaining a little bite, but nicely softened and slightly caramelized. This step adds so much flavor and texture.
Step 9: Slice the Chicken
While the vegetables are cooking, take your rested chicken breast and slice it into thin strips. This is the classic fajita style, perfect for wrapping in tortillas or scooping up with chips.
Step 10: Combine and Finish
When the vegetables are finished cooking, add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the veggies. Give all the ingredients a good stir to combine everything beautifully.
Finally, squeeze the fresh lime juice over the top for a bright, zesty finish. Sprinkle with your freshly chopped cilantro. This really takes the flavors to the next level, making it one of those truly special simple dinner ideas.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your amazing chicken fajitas immediately with warm tortillas, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh salsa, cool Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cheese, or any of your other favorite toppings. The possibilities are endless!
How To Store Leftovers
Got any fajitas left over? That’s a rare occurrence with such a delicious meal, but it happens! Storing them properly means you can enjoy this fantastic dish again later. It’s a great way to make those easy dinner recipes for family stretch a little further.
Allow the chicken and vegetable mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to three to four days. This makes for super convenient lunches or another quick dinner later in the week.
When you are ready to reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick zap or warm it gently in a skillet on the stovetop. Adding a tiny splash of water or chicken broth can help keep everything moist and delicious.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture for longer storage. Just make sure it’s in a freezer safe bag or container. It will keep well for about two to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips
Want to make your chicken fajitas even better? Here are a few handy tips to elevate this already amazing dish. These little tricks can turn a great meal into an unforgettable one, especially when you are looking for simple dinner ideas that really shine.
Marinating Magic: While this recipe is designed to be quick, if you have an extra 30 minutes, marinating the chicken in the seasoning blend and a little lime juice can deepen the flavors even more. It’s not essential, but it definitely adds a little something extra.
Veggie Variety: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Sliced zucchini, corn, or even mushrooms would be delicious additions to the bell peppers and onions. This is a fantastic way to sneak in more nutrients and keep things interesting.
Spice It Up or Down: Adjust the chili powder to your family’s preference. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely. This flexibility makes it a truly kid friendly dinner.
Perfect Tortillas: Warm your tortillas briefly in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or wrapped in foil in the oven. Warm tortillas are more pliable and taste so much better. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference to your fajita experience.
Batch Cooking: This recipe scales up beautifully. If you are cooking for a crowd or want to meal prep, double or triple the ingredients. It’s perfect for making a big batch of easy dinner recipes for family meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
There you have it! A truly fantastic, flavor packed chicken fajita recipe that proves that easy dinner recipes for family don’t have to be boring or complicated. This dish is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple steps, making it perfect for any home cook.
Whether you are a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting your cooking journey, this recipe is designed for success. It delivers on taste, convenience, and health, checking all the boxes for a wonderful weeknight meal. It really is one of the best quick dinner recipes for family out there.
So go ahead, give it a try tonight! Gather your loved ones, set out all the delicious toppings, and enjoy a vibrant, interactive meal that brings smiles all around. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious fajita feast!
FAQ
Can I Use Other Proteins?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily swap it for shrimp, beef strips, or even plant based options like firm tofu or black beans. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The recipe uses chili powder, which provides a mild warmth rather than intense heat. If you prefer more spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of chili powder.
What Can I Serve With Fajitas Besides Tortillas?
Tortillas are classic, but you have many other options! Serve your fajitas over a bed of rice, quinoa, or lettuce for a lighter meal. They are also delicious with tortilla chips for scooping, or even as a filling for baked potatoes. It’s a truly versatile dish.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prep the seasoning mix and slice the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be seasoned a few hours in advance. This really helps make it one of the easiest simple dinner ideas.
What if I Don’t Have a Large Skillet?
No problem! You can cook the chicken in batches and then the vegetables in batches, combining everything at the end. Just make sure not to overcrowd your pan, as this can steam the ingredients instead of searing them, affecting the texture. This ensures your easy dinner recipes for family come out perfectly.
Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fajitas
A game-changer for busy weeknights, this easy chicken fajita recipe is packed with flavor, and is super simple to throw together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a no-fuss family meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Season the raw chicken breast on both sides with about three-quarters of the seasoning mix.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken for about 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning.
- Cook the vegetables for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
- While the vegetables cook, slice the rested chicken into thin strips.
- Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning blend and a little lime juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced zucchini, corn, or mushrooms along with the peppers and onions.
Warm your tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or in the microwave before serving to make them more pliable and tastier.
This recipe is great for meal prep. Double the ingredients and store the cooked mixture for quick lunches or another dinner.
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