Save to Pinterest Chicken fajitas with lime crema are my answer to the question What should I make for dinner when I want something quick exciting and satisfying This colorful skillet meal brings together juicy chicken strips sweet sautéed peppers bold Tex-Mex spices and a cool tangy drizzle of lime crema The result is a simple home-cooked meal that always tastes like a celebration
My family always devours this meal and it has become the dish I make when everyone needs a little pick me up on a weeknight The first time I made it we sat around the table building our own fajitas and laughed nonstop It became an instant favorite
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Key protein for this dish Choose fresh firm fillets for the most tender results
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and soften vegetables Pick extra virgin olive oil for better flavor and nutrition
- Red yellow and green bell peppers: Each brings sweetness and color Look for glossy skins and feel for firm peppers
- Red onion: Adds a gentle sweetness that caramelizes with cooking A good red onion will feel heavy and dense
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for depth and aroma Pick cloves that are plump no green shoots
- Chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano: They create the Tex-Mex backbone Choose high quality or freshly opened spices for the most aromatic fajitas
- Salt and pepper: Season everything so flavors pop Use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
- Lime juice: Brings acidity and brightness Use juicy limes that feel heavy for their size
- Sour cream: Forms the base of the crema Full fat gives the creamiest drizzle
- Lime zest and juice in the crema: Lime zest amplifies that citrus kick Use a fine microplane for best results
- Cilantro: For the crema and garnish Adds citrusy freshness Use leaves that look perky and bright green
- Small tortillas: Either flour or corn make sure they are soft and pliable Warm them before serving for best texture
Instructions
- Make the spice mix:
- Combine chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano salt and pepper in a small bowl Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly This step ensures every bite of chicken gets perfectly seasoned
- Season the chicken:
- Place sliced chicken in a large bowl Drizzle over half the olive oil and add the spice blend Toss with tongs or your hands until every piece is evenly coated with spices The oil helps the spices adhere for even browning
- Brown the chicken:
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet set over medium high Add the seasoned chicken strips Spread them out so they sear properly Let them cook for five to six minutes turning occasionally until golden and cooked through Transfer chicken to a plate so you can cook the vegetables next
- Sauté the peppers and onions:
- Into the same skillet add all the sliced bell peppers and red onion Stir frequently for five to seven minutes until vegetables have softened and started to char in spots The caramelization adds irresistible flavor
- Finish with garlic and return the chicken:
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the vegetables Stir and cook just one minute more to release its fragrance Return the chicken to the skillet along with its juices Squeeze the juice from one lime directly over everything Toss well and heat for another minute or two so the flavors meld
- Prepare the lime crema:
- While chicken and vegetables cook combine sour cream lime zest lime juice chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt in a bowl Whisk until smooth This sauce is the perfect cool counterpoint to the fajitas spicy flavors
- Warm the tortillas:
- Either heat tortillas in a dry skillet for thirty seconds per side or wrap in foil and warm them in a low oven until soft This makes them easier to fill and fold
- Serve and garnish:
- Fill each tortilla with chicken and vegetable mixture Top with a generous drizzle of lime crema Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges for squeezing Build them right before eating so tortillas do not get soggy
Save to Pinterest What makes this dish truly special is the lime crema I have always loved citrus but here a little zest stirs up the whole skillet and the result is restaurant worthy Everyone in my house tries to sneak extra sauce before the meal even makes it to the table
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container for up to three days The lime crema keeps two to three days as well Always store tortillas separately to avoid them becoming soggy You can rewarm chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium until hot or in the microwave for quick lunches
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut For a dairy free meal use your favorite plant based sour cream in the lime crema Red onions can be swapped for sweet onions if that is what you have and peppers are flexible color wise For extra nutrition try tossing in sliced zucchini with your bell peppers
Serving Suggestions
These fajitas shine on their own but you can set out extras like sliced avocados pickled jalapeños or a bowl of fresh pico de gallo For heartier appetites offer a side of Mexican rice or black beans A cold Mexican lager or sparkling limeade makes a perfect match
Cultural and Historical Context
Fajitas originated as a makeshift meal for ranch workers in south Texas who cooked skirt steak over an open fire Now this Tex-Mex classic finds its way to the modern table using chicken for speed and simplicity The vibrant mix of peppers onions and a zesty sauce nod to both Mexican roots and American home cooking traditions
Save to Pinterest For a meal that always delivers at the dinner table serve these chicken fajitas with plenty of lime crema and watch them vanish Enjoy every colorful bite
Your Questions Answered
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Just slice them thinly for even cooking.
- → Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream in the lime crema?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tang, making a lighter option.
- → How can I add more spice to the dish?
Add sliced jalapeños to the skillet or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
- → What can I serve instead of tortillas for a low-carb meal?
Serve the chicken and vegetables over crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing and lower-carb alternative.
- → Are these fajitas suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, just use corn tortillas and check ingredient labels to ensure all components are gluten-free.
- → How do I get a nice char on the vegetables?
Cook the peppers and onions over high heat without stirring constantly to let them caramelize slightly.