Name: 7-Minute Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Chicken (sliced into thin strips); Bell peppers (sliced into thin strips); Onions (sliced into thin strips); Chili powder; Ground cumin; Paprika (regular or smoked); Garlic powder; Onion powder; Dried oregano; Cayenne pepper (optional); Salt; Black pepper; Cooking oil; Tortillas

Key Takeaways

Master quick chicken fajitas with this 7-minute skillet recipe. The secret to perfectly tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables lies in high-heat cooking, precise ingredient preparation, and a flavorful homemade fajita seasoning. This guide covers how to prepare your ingredients, make a balanced spice mix from scratch, and cook peppers and onions to perfection, ensuring a speedy and delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

✅ Pros

Extremely quick cooking time (7 minutes) perfect for weeknights
Delivers authentic, vibrant Mexican flavors
Allows customization of spice levels with a homemade seasoning mix
Achieves tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables
Versatile and can be served with various toppings

❌ Cons

Requires careful timing due to quick cooking process
Can overcrowd pan if not cooked in batches for larger servings
Requires active prep work (slicing) before cooking

Chicken Fajitas are a beloved dish, and with this 7-minute skillet recipe, you can bring the vibrant flavours of a fiesta right into your kitchen. At evilchefmom, we believe in quick, easy, and delicious meals. Our method ensures you get perfectly cooked mexican chicken with sizzling peppers and onions, all ready to be wrapped in warm tortillas for a delightful tortilla wrap filling.

What is the Secret to Making Delicious 7-Minute Skillet Chicken Fajitas?

The secret lies in the high heat, prepped ingredients, and a quick cooking time, ensuring the chicken is tender, the vegetables are crisp-tender, and the seasoning is perfectly infused.

Creating delicious 7-minute skillet chicken fajitas involves a combination of speed, flavour, and technique. The goal is to maximize the taste while minimizing the cooking time, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend fiesta. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the secrets to achieving that perfect skillet chicken fajita:

•High Heat Cooking:
Using high heat is crucial for achieving that characteristic skillet char and ensuring the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. The intense heat sears the outside of the chicken, locking in the juices and creating a flavorful crust. For the best results, preheat your skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat for at least 5 minutes before adding any ingredients. A properly preheated skillet will also help prevent the chicken from sticking.
•Ingredient Preparation:
Proper preparation is key to a 7-minute cooking time. Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes slicing the chicken and vegetables into thin, uniform strips, which allows them to cook quickly and evenly. A general guideline is to slice the chicken into strips that are approximately 1/4 inch thick. Similarly, slice the peppers and onions into strips of similar thickness. Having all your ingredients ready to go streamlines the cooking process and prevents delays.
•DIY Fajita Seasoning:
A well-balanced fajita seasoning is essential for infusing the chicken and vegetables with authentic Mexican flavours. Instead of relying on store-bought mixes, consider making your own fajita spice mix from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the spice levels to your preference. A basic fajita seasoning mix typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (for heat), and salt and pepper. A good ratio to start with is:
- •2 tablespoons chili powder
- •1 tablespoon cumin
- •1 tablespoon paprika
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1 teaspoon onion powder
- •1 teaspoon oregano
- •1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- •Salt and pepper to taste
•Quick Cooking Time:
The 7-minute cooking time is achievable by ensuring the skillet is screaming hot, the ingredients are thinly sliced, and the seasoning is ready to go. Typically, you’ll want to cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes until it’s no longer pink and has a slight char. Then, add the vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this will lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than seared ingredients. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain the high heat.
•Proper Seasoning Application:
To ensure maximum flavour, season the chicken and vegetables generously before cooking. Toss the sliced chicken with about two-thirds of the fajita seasoning mix, making sure each piece is well coated. Then, toss the sliced peppers and onions with the remaining seasoning. This ensures that both the chicken and vegetables are infused with the delicious fajita flavours right from the start.

How Do You Make Fajita Spice Mix from Scratch for the Best Flavour?

Making fajita spice mix from scratch is easy and allows you to control the ingredients and spice level. It’s a simple blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Crafting your own fajita seasoning is a fantastic way to elevate your chicken fajitas. It ensures a burst of fresh, vibrant flavours tailored to your liking. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect fajita spice mix from scratch:

•Ingredient Selection:
Start with high-quality spices to ensure the best flavour. Here’s a detailed list of the essential spices and their roles in the mix:
- •Chili Powder: Provides a rich, complex flavour and a mild heat. Look for a chili powder that is made from a blend of dried chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
- •Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavour that is characteristic of Mexican cuisine. Use ground cumin for the best results.
- •Paprika: Contributes a sweet, slightly smoky flavour and enhances the colour of the fajitas. You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika for a more intense smoky flavour.
- •Garlic Powder: Provides a pungent, savory flavour. Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to ensure the seasoning is shelf-stable.
- •Onion Powder: Adds a sweet, mellow flavour that complements the other spices.
- •Oregano: Contributes a slightly bitter, herbaceous flavour that is essential in Mexican cuisine. Use dried oregano and crush it slightly between your fingers to release its aroma before adding it to the mix.
- •Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat to the seasoning. Use it sparingly if you prefer a milder flavour, or increase the amount for a spicier kick.
- •Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavours of the other spices and balances the seasoning.
•Spice Ratios:
Achieving the right balance of flavours is crucial. Here’s a suggested ratio for a well-rounded fajita spice mix:
- •2 tablespoons chili powder
- •1 tablespoon ground cumin
- •1 tablespoon paprika (regular or smoked)
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1 teaspoon onion powder
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •½ teaspoon black pepper
•Mixing the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine all the spices. Whisk together thoroughly until well blended. Ensure there are no clumps and the spices are evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent flavour throughout the mix.
•Storage:
Store the fajita spice mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, the spice mix can last for up to 6 months. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Avoid storing the spice mix in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause the spices to lose their flavour and aroma.

How Can You Cook Peppers and Onions So They Stay Crunchy?

To keep peppers and onions crunchy, cook them quickly over high heat, avoid overcrowding the pan, and add them to the skillet after the chicken has cooked.

Achieving the perfect balance of tender yet crunchy peppers and onions in your chicken fajitas is a culinary art. No one wants soggy vegetables. Here’s a detailed guide on how to cook your peppers and onions to perfection:

•Preparation is Key:
Start by properly preparing your peppers and onions. Wash them thoroughly and slice them into uniform strips. Aim for strips that are about ¼ inch thick, as this ensures they cook evenly. Remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers to avoid any bitterness. Slicing the onions thinly also helps them cook more quickly and evenly.
•High Heat Cooking:
High heat is essential for achieving that desired crisp-tender texture. Preheat your skillet over high heat for at least 5 minutes before adding any vegetables. The high heat sears the outside of the peppers and onions, locking in their natural juices and preventing them from becoming soggy. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this purpose, as it retains heat exceptionally well.
•Add Vegetables After Chicken:
To ensure the peppers and onions remain crunchy, add them to the skillet after the chicken has cooked. This prevents them from overcooking and becoming mushy. Once the chicken is nearly done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Then, add the sliced peppers and onions to the hot skillet.
•Avoid Overcrowding the Pan:
Overcrowding the skillet can lower the temperature and cause the vegetables to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the peppers and onions in batches to maintain the high heat. Spread the vegetables in a single layer in the skillet, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Avoid piling them on top of each other.
•Stirring Technique:
Stir the peppers and onions frequently while they are cooking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss them gently in the skillet. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can break them down and cause them to become soggy. Aim for a gentle, even stirring motion.
•Optimal Cooking Time:
Cook the peppers and onions for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred. They should still have a bit of bite to them. Avoid cooking them for too long, as this will cause them to become mushy. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the skillet when they reach the desired texture.
•Seasoning:
Season the peppers and onions with the fajita seasoning mix after they have been added to the skillet. This ensures they are evenly coated with the spices and develop a rich, flavorful crust. Toss them with the seasoning and stir to combine. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste.

What is the Best Way to Get That Smoky Restaurant Flavour in Skillet Fajitas?

Achieving that smoky restaurant flavour in skillet fajitas involves using a cast-iron skillet, high heat, smoked paprika, and a touch of liquid smoke.

Replicating the smoky flavour of restaurant-style fajitas at home is easier than you think. It’s all about using the right tools and techniques. Here’s how to bring that authentic smoky taste to your skillet chicken fajitas:

•Cast Iron Skillet:
A cast iron skillet is your best friend when it comes to achieving that smoky flavour. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, allowing you to sear the chicken and vegetables at high temperatures. This searing process creates a flavorful crust and contributes to the overall smoky taste. Preheat your cast iron skillet over high heat for at least 5 minutes before adding any ingredients.
•High Heat Cooking:
Cooking at high heat is crucial for developing that smoky char. The intense heat sears the outside of the chicken and vegetables, creating a flavorful crust and enhancing the smoky flavour. Ensure your skillet is screaming hot before adding any ingredients. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the ingredients from searing properly.
•Smoked Paprika:
Using smoked paprika in your fajita seasoning mix is an easy way to add a smoky flavour to your chicken and vegetables. Smoked paprika is made from peppers that have been smoked over oak fires, giving it a rich, smoky taste. Substitute regular paprika with smoked paprika in your fajita seasoning mix for an extra layer of flavour.
•Liquid Smoke:
A touch of liquid smoke can go a long way in replicating that authentic smoky flavour. Liquid smoke is a natural product made by condensing the smoke from burning wood. Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your fajita seasoning mix or directly to the chicken and vegetables while they are cooking. Be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering. Start with just a few drops and adjust to taste.
•Charring the Vegetables:
Allow the peppers and onions to char slightly in the skillet. The charred bits add a smoky, slightly bitter flavour that is characteristic of restaurant-style fajitas. Don’t be afraid to let the vegetables sit in the skillet without stirring for a minute or two, allowing them to develop a nice char. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
•Proper Ventilation:
When cooking at high heat, especially with cast iron, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated. Open windows and turn on the exhaust fan to prevent your kitchen from becoming too smoky. This will also help to minimize any potential fire hazards.