Sizzling Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe For Dinner

Sizzling pans and smoky cilantro lime chicken fajitas beckon with irresistible aromas that instantly spark hunger.

Tender strips of chicken dance with vibrant peppers and onions, creating a melody of Mexican-inspired flavors.

The zesty lime cuts through rich, charred notes while fresh cilantro adds bright complexity to each bite.

Jalapeños bring subtle heat that warms without overwhelming delicate palates.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, these fajitas turn an ordinary meal into a fiesta of taste.

Grab your skillet and let’s dive into a recipe that promises restaurant-quality deliciousness right in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas

• Chicken Strips: Tender protein base that soaks up intense smoky and zesty flavors, choose fresh, high-quality chicken with minimal fat for best results.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami punch, select low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.

• Lime Juice: Bright, tangy acid that tenderizes chicken and adds fresh citrus notes, use fresh limes for maximum zestiness.
• Liquid Smoke: Creates deep smoky essence without grilling, choose high-quality brands for authentic flavor.
• Cumin: Earthy, warm spice that provides authentic Mexican undertone, use ground version for smooth integration.
• Chili Powder: Delivers mild heat and rich pepper complexity, opt for pure chili powder without added salt.
• Smoked Paprika: Intensifies smoky profile with rich red pepper notes, select Spanish-style for deeper flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds sharp, intense heat, use sparingly for controlled spiciness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb bringing bright, herbal freshness, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that deepens overall flavor profile, select firm, plump cloves.
• Onion Powder: Provides concentrated onion essence without texture, choose pure powder without additives.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat for even searing, select high smoke-point varieties.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden chicken exterior, use unsalted for better flavor control.

Tools to Sizzle Smoky Chicken Fajitas

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Cutting board: Essential for slicing peppers and onions safely.
• Sharp knife: Needed to cut vegetables and chicken precisely.
• Cast iron skillet: Key for searing chicken and cooking vegetables with perfect flavor.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and salt.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and handling ingredients during cooking.
• Spatula: Useful for stirring and moving vegetables in the skillet.

Cooking Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas

• Flavor Fusion

Blend lime juice, soy sauce, liquid smoke, and spices with chicken strips in a bowl. Let the flavors mingle and dance for 15 minutes to a full day.

• Veggie Prep

Slice colorful bell peppers and onions into tempting strips, ready to join the culinary party.

• Sizzling Sensation

Heat a cast iron skillet until it whispers with heat. Add a splash of oil and sear chicken strips, creating golden edges. A quick butter swirl adds richness.

• Vegetable Dance

In the same skillet, toss peppers and onions with leftover marinade. Cook until they’re tender but still have a playful crunch.

• Final Symphony

Reunite chicken with vegetables, letting them warm together and share their delicious stories.

• Fajita Fiesta

Nestle the sizzling mixture into soft tortillas. Optional: sprinkle cheese, dollop sour cream, drizzle chipotle mayo, and shower with fresh cilantro and lime juice.

Add-Ons for Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas

• Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to dial heat up or down, making the dish mild for kids or fiery hot for spice lovers by adding extra chili powder or fresh jalapeños.
• Maximize flavor absorption by using a resealable plastic bag for marinating, which ensures even coating and allows easy massage of seasonings into chicken without extra dishes.
• Prepare entire batch ahead of time and store cooked chicken and veggies separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing quick weeknight dinner assembly or delicious lunch options.
• Replace traditional bell peppers with seasonal alternatives like zucchini, poblano peppers, or mushrooms to keep the recipe exciting and use what's fresh in your kitchen.

Serving Up Smoky Fajitas with Style

• Grill Up Some Excitement: Serve these sizzling fajitas straight from the skillet to create a dramatic, restaurant-style presentation that'll make everyone at the table eager to dig in.
• Customize Your Feast: Set out extra toppings like sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, fresh salsa, and crumbled queso fresco so each person can build their perfect fajita with personal flair.
• Weekend Fiesta Plating: Arrange warm tortillas on a large wooden board, pile the smoky chicken and colorful peppers in the center, and let everyone gather around for a communal, interactive meal that feels like a celebration.
• Pair with Refreshing Sides: Complement the rich, smoky flavors with a crisp side of Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a light citrus slaw to balance the dish and add refreshing contrast.

Leftover Fajitas? Here’s How to Store Them

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover fajitas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping chicken and veggies separate from tortillas to maintain crispness.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled chicken and vegetable mixture tightly in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months for quick future meals.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated fajitas in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out and restore moisture to the chicken.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken and slice vegetables the night before, cutting down on cooking time and ensuring deep, rich flavors develop overnight.

Sizzling Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Sizzling smoky cilantro lime chicken fajitas blend Mexican culinary traditions with bold, zesty flavors. Pepper-packed tortillas and caramelized proteins promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs, sliced into 1-inch strips
• 2 tbsps cumin
• 2 tsps chili powder
• 2 tsps kosher salt, plus 1 tsp for veggies
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil, plus extra for veggies
• 2 tbsps butter
• 3 small bell peppers, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 12 6-inch flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• sour cream
• chipotle mayo
• guacamole
• lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Combine lime juice, soy sauce, liquid smoke, cumin, kosher salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and garlic to create a complex flavor profile for chicken strips. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to 24 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and infuse deeply.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Slice bell peppers and onions into uniform, thin strips to ensure consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
3. Sear and Cook Chicken: Heat cast iron skillet to high temperature, adding vegetable oil. Cook marinated chicken strips in batches, achieving golden caramelization with approximately 2 minutes per side. Incorporate butter during final flip for rich depth. Remove cooked chicken to a separate plate.
4. Vegetable and Flavor Integration: Utilize the same skillet, adding oil if necessary. Introduce sliced peppers and onions, pouring reserved marinade and sprinkling kosher salt. Sauté until vegetables reach crisp-tender texture, roughly 3-4 minutes.
5. Final Assembly: Return seared chicken to skillet, gently tossing with vegetables to reheat and harmonize flavors. Warm tortillas on griddle or skillet, then layer with sizzling chicken-vegetable mixture, optional shredded cheese, sour cream, Chipotle Mayo, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow spices and herbs to deeply penetrate the meat, creating a more intense and complex taste profile.
• Sear for Caramelization: Use a screaming hot cast iron skillet to achieve beautiful golden-brown edges that lock in juiciness and develop rich, smoky flavors through proper caramelization.
• Control Vegetable Texture: Sauté peppers and onions quickly to maintain a crisp-tender consistency, preventing them from becoming soggy or losing their vibrant colors and fresh taste.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Assemble fajitas right after cooking to enjoy the sizzling, aromatic dish at its peak temperature and flavor, ensuring a restaurant-quality experience at home.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg