BBQ season is officially on, and there's no better way to celebrate than with these grilled chicken fajitas.

They're bold, juicy, and built around a homemade fajitas marinade that brings out deep, smoky flavor whether you're cooking outside on a flat-top grill or indoors on a skillet.

And before anything else, I want to highlight the fact that this is my personal take on the classic, inspired by traditional Tex-Mex fajitas, but adapted to how we cook at home today: colorful, fast, and flexible.

The original dish may come from the ranchlands of Texas, but this chicken fajitas recipe is very much shaped by the way I like to cook and eat — with plenty of veggies, big flavor, and easy prep.

What I love most is how adaptable it is. You can prep everything in advance, cook it all in one pan, and switch it up however you like, make it spicy, serve it in tortillas or with rice, or even go meat-free.

And if grilling outdoors isn't an option? No problem. I'll walk you through how to make chicken fajitas on the stove too.

But let's not linger any longer and let's dive in and make what I think might just be the best easy chicken fajitas recipe you'll try this summer.

How to Prepare Grilled Chicken Fajitas

• ‍Prepare the Chicken Fajitas Marinade: In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, both paprikas, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

‍

‍

• This simple fajitas seasoning blend makes for an incredibly flavorful base.
• Slice the chicken into strips, massage the marinade in thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).‍
• Slice the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Cut the mushrooms and chili, and chop the zucchini into 2–3 cm pieces. Set everything aside, ready to be cooked.‍
• Cooking on a Flat-Top Grill: Heat the flat-top grill and grease with the remaining oil. Start with the mushrooms and onions — cook them for about 3–5 minutes per side.

‍

‍

• Then add the chicken and let it sear until nicely browned.

‍

‍

• Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and chili.

‍

‍

• Season with salt and pepper. Cook everything together for 5–7 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender but still vibrant.‍
• Combine and Serve: Mix everything together on the grill for a final sear.

‍

‍

• Then serve immediately with tortillas, grilled corn, avocado paste, and salsa — or anything else you love.

The Story Behind the Recipe

The first thing you should know is that fajitas originated in the Rio Grande Valley in the 1930s and were popularized by ranch workers who received less desirable cuts of meat, like skirt steak. Hence, the name "fajita," from the Spanish "faja" (belt). These workers would marinate and grill the meat, slice it thin, and serve it with tortillas.

This being said, you might wonder how this chicken fajita recipe became part of our household's regular lineup. Like many dishes in our "Old Recipes, Modern Approaches" series, it started with a classic—the original Tex-Mex fajita, typically made with skirt steak and served sizzling hot. Over time, chicken became a more common option in our case because of its accessibility and lighter profile.

Furthermore, I adapted it to reflect how we like to cook today: more vegetables, simpler prep, and options for both indoor and outdoor cooking. For instance, adding mushrooms and zucchini brings extra texture and nutritional value, while using homemade fajitas marinade instead of store-bought fajitas seasoning keeps the flavor profile bold and fresh.

How to Make Chicken Fajitas Indoors

No flat-top? No problem. Use a heavy cast iron skillet or stovetop grill pan. Follow the same process:

• Sear mushrooms and onions first, remove.
• Cook chicken strips until browned, remove.
• Sauté peppers and zucchini.
• Return everything to the pan for the final minute to blend.

It's smoky, juicy, and delicious — even without the grill.

Make It Vegan

Want a vegan version? Replace chicken with marinated tofu or thick portobello slices. Use the same fajitas marinade, and cook the veggies just the same. It's not identical, but it's a delicious, plant-based twist.

Nutritional Aspects

These easy chicken fajitas are relatively low in calories and high in nutrients:

• Lean protein from chicken
• Antioxidants and fiber from the veggies
• Healthy fats from olive oil
• Compared to fried Tex-Mex dishes, this one's a much lighter, cleaner option.

FAQ

Need to find out more about chicken fajitas? Then, check out the most frequently asked questions regarding this dish.

Q: Are chicken fajitas healthy?

A: Absolutely! With lean chicken and colorful vegetables, this dish is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. It's a lighter alternative to many Tex-Mex staples. Check the calories for chicken fajitas on our site.

Q: How to make chicken fajitas on the stove?

A: Use a cast iron skillet. Cook the mushrooms and onions first, followed by the chicken and veggies, then combine at the end. It's quick, flavorful, and just as delicious as grilled.

Q: What to serve with fajitas?

A: Tortillas, salsa, avocado, grilled corn, beans, or cilantro rice. You can mix and match. Find more ideas in our "what to serve with fajitas" section on the blog.

Q: Can I replace the spices with store-bought fajitas seasoning?

A: Yes, if you have a favorite fajitas seasoning blend, feel free to use it instead of the individual spices in the chicken fajitas marinade.

Q: Fajitas vs Burrito — what's the difference?

A: Fajitas are usually served as a DIY platter with tortillas and fillings separately. Burritos are wrapped and often include rice, beans, and cheese inside. Learn more in our "fajitas vs burrito" comparison.

Final Thoughts

I hope this easy chicken fajitas recipe brings color and joy to your table like it does to ours. Whether you're firing up the grill or cooking indoors, it's all about that perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh.

Don't forget to tag us when you try it — we'd love to see your version!

The full video of this chicken fajitas recipe is available now on our YouTube channel.

Check it out, and don't forget to like and subscribe so you never miss a recipe.

‍