Tequila-Lime Marinated Chicken Fajitas

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

Sizzling chicken fajitas marinated in fresh lime and tequila, seasoned with classic spices and served with vibrant peppers and onions. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, tequila blanco, fresh lime juice 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tequila blanco, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1/2-inch strips to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked and lightly charred, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside. Add sliced 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large green bell pepper, and 1 medium yellow onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, stir to combine with vegetables, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 small flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Serve chicken and peppers hot in tortillas with your choice of toppings.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Marinated Chicken Fajitas take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tequila-Lime 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 tequila blanco from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime 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 Tequila-Lime 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 Tequila-Lime Marinated Chicken Fajitas?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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.

Related recipes