Pin it If you love colorful dinners that come together in under an hour these chicken fajitas with lime crema are a game changer. Succulent chicken deeply coated in spices gets tossed with sizzling peppers and onions then blanketed in a zesty refreshing crema. It is my favorite way to bring Tex Mex flair to a busy weeknight.
I made this for friends during a last minute gathering and everyone went wild for the vibrant colors and the punchy lime crema. It became my go to for impressing guests without stress.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts sliced into strips: Select ones that are plump pink and without excess liquid for more flavor and tenderness
- Olive oil: Adds healthy richness and helps all those spices coat the chicken evenly Go for extra virgin for the most flavor
- Red yellow and green bell peppers: The classic trio for color crunch and sweetness Pick ones that are glossy and firm
- Red onion: Brings subtle bite and color Look for ones with crisp outer layers
- Garlic: Use fresh for robust sharpness not the jarred kind
- Chili powder cumin smoked paprika dried oregano salt and black pepper: Fresh spices give maximum depth and smokiness If your chili powder smells faint upgrade it
- Fresh lime both juice and zest: Single biggest secret to brightness in fajitas Go for limes that give slightly when pressed
- Sour cream for the lime crema: Tangy cooling balance to the spice Use a full fat option for creaminess
- Fresh cilantro: Brings verdant citrusy notes to the sauce Leaves should be perky and fragrant
- Small tortillas flour or corn: Keeps things classic Warmed is key
- Optional cilantro leaves and lime wedges: For serving and popping up the freshness
Instructions
- Spice Mix Blend:
- Combine chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano salt and black pepper in a small bowl Stir until evenly mixed The aroma should be vibrant and earthy
- Season the Chicken:
- In a large bowl add the chicken strips Drizzle with half the olive oil Sprinkle on your spice mix Toss with tongs or clean hands until all chicken pieces are evenly coated so each bite bursts with flavor
- Sauté Chicken:
- Heat the remaining olive oil in your largest skillet over medium high Give it a minute to shimmer Add all seasoned chicken in a single layer Cook undisturbed for two minutes to brown Flip and continue to cook five to six minutes stirring occasionally until all pieces are golden and no longer pink inside Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken from the pan so it stays juicy
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet without cleaning add all the sliced peppers and onions Sauté for five to seven minutes until softened but still vibrant in color Push vegetables around often so they char a little but do not burn Add minced garlic sauté for one minute more This deepens the aroma with mellow warmth
- Reunite and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan Squeeze the juice from one fresh lime evenly over everything Toss until all the flavors come together Cook for one to two more minutes just to heat through The lime sizzle makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible
- Make the Lime Crema:
- While the skillet sizzles whisk together sour cream lime zest lime juice chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt in a small bowl Stir until silky smooth This is your drizzle of cooling magic
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Place tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about thirty seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat in the oven until steamy Never serve fajitas with cold tortillas it is worth the little extra step
- Assemble and Serve:
- Pile the chicken and pepper mixture into warm tortillas Top with a generous swirl of lime crema Sprinkle fresh cilantro and tuck in extra lime wedges for squeezing Those first bites will be everything
Pin it The lime zest in the crema is my magic ingredient It turns a simple sauce into something truly memorable My family loves to build their own fajitas right at the table and the laughter always seems to come a little louder when you are eating with your hands
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken and veggies keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for three days Just reheat gently in a skillet to keep the peppers crisp Lime crema can be made a day ahead and stays fresh in the fridge for a couple more days Store it in a small jar to keep it thick and tangy Tortillas are best eaten fresh but if you have extras wrap them in foil and warm gently in the oven to revive them
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken breast for boneless skinless chicken thighs if you like a juicier bite For dairy free use a thick plain almond or coconut yogurt in the lime crema The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious If you are out of smoked paprika regular paprika plus a tiny pinch of chipotle powder adds that subtle smokiness
Serving Suggestions
Pair these fajitas with a side of charred corn salad for extra color and crunch Refried beans or a quick homemade guacamole complement the savory spice Crisp chilled beer or even sparkling water with lime is perfect by their side
Cultural and Historical Context
Fajitas originated from Mexican ranch workers in Texas who cooked skirt steak with onions and peppers over an open fire They became popular when Tex Mex restaurants began serving them sizzling hot straight from the skillet Home cooks today have adapted the recipe with chicken for easy weeknight meals
Pin it These chicken fajitas bring every dinner to life with their color and flavor Just a little prep and you are set for a truly memorable meal
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I add more heat to the dish?
Spice things up by adding sliced jalapeños to the skillet or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your spice blend.
- → What is the best substitute for sour cream in lime crema?
Greek yogurt works well as a lighter stand-in for sour cream, lending creaminess and tang to the sauce.
- → What can I use instead of flour tortillas for gluten-free option?
Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas or serve the chicken and veggies over lettuce leaves.
- → How do I keep the chicken tender?
Cook the chicken strips just until they're cooked through, avoiding overcooking to maintain moisture.
- → Can I prepare the lime crema ahead of time?
Yes, the crema can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to two days until ready to serve.
- → What’s the ideal way to serve these fajitas?
Spoon the chicken and vegetables into warm tortillas, drizzle with lime crema, and garnish with cilantro and lime.