Spicy Citrus Fajita Chicken
A flavorful chicken dish with a zesty citrus kick, served with a creamy sauce and fresh toppings for a fun taco bar experience. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breast, lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup salsa
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs chicken breast into thin strips and place in a bowl with 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; mix well and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil; cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add sliced 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 onion; cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet with vegetables and stir to combine; cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
- Step 5: Mix 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro in a small bowl to make the sauce.
- Step 6: Serve fajita chicken over warm tortillas with the sauce, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup diced avocado, 1/2 cup corn kernels, and 1/2 cup salsa on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Citrus Fajita Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Citrus Fajita Chicken?
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 chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Citrus Fajita Chicken?
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 Spicy Citrus Fajita Chicken 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 Spicy Citrus Fajita Chicken?
Mexican mexican 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
