Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Fajitas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a bright citrus blend with smoky spices, served with sautéed bell peppers and onions for fajitas. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 40 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  4. Step 4: While the chicken rests, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced green bell pepper, and 1 large sliced yellow onion. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are softened but still slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill or skillet for 30 seconds per side until flexible.
  6. Step 6: Assemble fajitas by layering sliced grilled chicken, sautéed peppers and onions on each tortilla. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve with 1/2 cup sour cream on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Fajitas take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Fajitas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Fajitas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Fajitas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Fajitas?

Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.