
Tex-Mex is the key to my heart. Good day? Tex-Mex. Bad day? Still Tex-Mex. Honestly, there’s very little a big basket of warm chips and fresh salsa (or a strong margarita with a tiny umbrella) can’t fix.
And when it comes to easy, flavor-packed dinners, these grilled chicken fajitas are always at the top of my list. These grilled chicken fajitas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and couldn’t be easier to pull off. Tender, juicy chicken is seasoned with smoky, warm spices and grilled alongside crisp bell peppers and onions for a perfect balance of freshness and flavor. It’s simple, colorful, and always a hit at the dinner table.
Why you will love my grilled chicken fajitas:
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this recipe checks all the boxes:
- Quick, 30 minutes or less
- Naturally gluten free when served with corn tortillas
- Easy to customize spices, toppings, and sides
- Great for big family dinners or a more intimate date night in
- Delicious freezer meal
Dress it up with fun sides:
To take your grilled chicken fajitas to the next level, serve them with these classic Tex-Mex sides:
- Mexican rice: a staple Mexican side dish featuring long-grain white rice simmered in chicken broth, tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and sometimes additions like peas, carrots, and bell peppers
- Beans: black, pinto, or charro beans
- Guacamole: fresh avocado-based dip that blends citrus notes with onion, cilantro, and tomato
- Mexican street corn: grilled corn covered in a creamy mayo-based sauce sprinkled with chili powder, cotija cheese, and fresh lime
- Salsa: a fresh blend of tomatoes, onions, herbs, lime juice, and chili peppers
Tips for the best grilled chicken fajitas:
For the most flavorful and perfectly cooked fajitas, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh vegetables. No offense to frozen produce, but fresh vegetables offer a crunch you just can’t get from the freezer aisle. Even better, visit your local farmer’s market to support local growers.
- Marinate for maximum flavor. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling. Add 1–2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of chicken, 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, and the juice of 1 lime. Cover and refrigerate. Then, let the chicken sit for 15–20 minutes at room temperature before cooking so it cooks more evenly.
- Let it rest. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. For the most tender bite, slice the chicken against the grain.
Don’t forget about leftovers! If you happen to have leftovers, they’re just as delicious the next day. Easily transform grilled chicken fajitas into a fajita bowl, spicy salad, crunchy nachos, or cheesy quesadillas.
No grill? No problem. Break out your cast iron skillet and cook the chicken fajitas inside! I recommend using avocado oil, which has one of the highest smoke points of plant-based oils. Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and is great for cooking at high heat. For juicy, tender chicken, let it sear before moving it, and use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
These grilled chicken fajitas are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Add them to your weekly rotation for a healthy, easy, and quick dinner that everyone will love.
Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Description
These healthy grilled chicken fajitas are made with a simple, clean marinade, homemade seasoning, and fresh peppers and onions. Packed with flavor and protein, this easy chicken fajita recipe is perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or summer grilling with family and friends.
Ingredients
Seasoning
Marinade (optional)
Fajitas
Instructions
Step 1a
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Marinate chicken (optional)
Mix all ingredients under the "Marinade" in the Ingredients section (reserve ~1 teaspoon of seasoning for the vegetables). Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Before grilling, let the chicken rest on the counter for 15-20 minutes.
Step 1b
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Preheat and gather ingredients
Preheat the grill to about 400-450°F and gather all ingredients.
Step 2
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Mix and apply seasoning
Add all spices under "Seasoning" in the Ingredients section to a small bowl and mix until combined. Lay the chicken flat on a baking sheet and pat both sides dry before applying the seasoning. Reserve ~1 teaspoon of seasoning for the vegetables.
Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning adhere for a bolder flavor.
Step 3
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Chop and season veggies
Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin slices, toss them in olive oil, and add the reserved seasoning. Mix until evenly coated.
Alternatively, you could chop the onion and peppers in half, season, grill, then slice into thin strips.
Step 4
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Grill and enjoy!
Grill the chicken 4-8 minutes per side for each 1/2 inch in thickness. The internal temperature must reach 165°F. To grill the vegetables, either place them in a grill basket or use a cast iron skillet.
Serve with any combination of toppings and/or sides and enjoy!
