Chicken Fajita Marinade

By Olivia Mack McCoolPublished: May 15, 2022

2 Ratings

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PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Chicken fajita marinade is the best way to make delicious at-home fajitas. It transforms plain chicken breasts into juicy, flavorful strips that are perfect for folding into flour tortillas.

What is fajita marinade made of?

This chicken fajita marinade is made with oil, garlic, lime zest and juice, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. This infuses the meat with flavor and helps it cook more evenly. You can mix it up your chicken fajita marinade with other seasonings like dried oregano or a little bit of cayenne for heat, or even use homemade taco seasoning.

Who invented fajitas?

According to The Austin Chronicle, Mexican ranch workers living in West Texas in the 1930s are credited with creating this delicious dish, which has since become a Tex-Mex staple. Originally, fajitas were made from strips of grilled beef with grilled peppers and onions served in a tortilla. (We've got the recipe for you if you're looking for steak fajitas tonight.) Now, the meaning of the dish has grown to encompass other fillings like shrimp and chicken.

What are the best fajita toppings?

There are tons of toppings you can serve with your fajitas like pico de gallo, shredded cheese, or even guacamole. Sour cream, cilantro, and sliced avocado are some of the must-have classics.

Store-bought flour tortillas make this recipe super fast, but if you're feeling adventurous, homemade tortillas would take this meal up a notch. If you're gluten-free, serve with store-bought gluten-free flour tortillas or homemade corn tortillas.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below.

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Yields:: 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 20 mins
Total Time:: 1 hr 20 mins

Ingredients

4 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil, divided
2
cloves garlic, grated or minced
1 tbsp.
lime zest, plus 2 tbsp. lime juice
1 1/2 tsp.
ground cumin, divided
1 tsp.
chili powder
1/2 tsp.
red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
2 lb.
boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 breasts)
6
multi-colored bell peppers, halved, seeds and ribs removed
2
large red onions, sliced horizontally ½” thick, rings kept intact
12
(8") flour tortillas
Sour cream, for serving
Sliced avocado, for serving
Chopped cilantro, for serving
Hot sauce, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, lime zest and juice, 1 teaspoon cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and 2 teaspoons salt.
2. Step 2Place a boneless, skinless chicken breast on a cutting board. While pressing chicken flat with the palm of your non-knife hand, slice horizontally through the center to create 2 even pieces. Repeat with remaining 3 breasts. Add the chicken to marinade and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Step 3Preheat grill to medium high for 5 minutes and clean and grease the grates with oil. Place the peppers in a separate large bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil, remaining ½ teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss to combine.
4. Step 4Place onions on a rimmed baking sheet, taking care to keep rings intact, and drizzle evenly with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 teaspoon salt.
5. Step 5Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill with the peppers and onions. Cook, turning the chicken once and removing when cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, cover, and continue cooking vegetables, turning the peppers often and the onions once, until tender and charred in spots, about 15 minutes total.
6. Step 6Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil. Place on the still warm grill, close the lid and let warm through for 5 minutes.
7. Step 7Meanwhile, slice both the peppers and chicken into ½” to ¾” sized strips and combine on a platter with onions. Serve warm with the tortillas, sour cream, sliced avocado, and hot sauce.

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preview for Our Homemade Chicken Fajitas Just Might Rival Your Favorite Restaurant

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Olivia Mack McCool

Contributing Recipe Developer

Olivia is a food stylist, recipe developer & cookbook author living in NYC. Her work has appeared both on the pages of magazines and on billboards in Times Square. Helping people cook with more confidence is her #1 passion.