Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken Fajitas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sizzling chicken and peppers cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, served with warm tortillas and avocado. This tex-mex-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken breast, bell peppers, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Tex-Mex cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add cubed chicken breast and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. Slice avocados in half and serve as a topping.
  4. Step 4: Layer fajitas in warm tortillas, top with avocado, and enjoy immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken Fajitas take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Tex-Mex 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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tex-Mex 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 Spicy Tex-Mex 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 Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken Fajitas?

Tex-Mex quick meals 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.

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