Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Tacos

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

A vibrant taco filling with charred bell peppers, onions, and spiced chicken, served with fresh avocado. This mexican-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, bell peppers, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1.25 lbs thinly sliced chicken breasts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 8 minutes until charred at the edges and tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos with chicken, peppers, and onions. Top with 1 sliced avocado, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and extra lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Tacos 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Tacos?

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 breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Tacos?

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 Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Tacos 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Tacos?

Mexican 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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