The Juiciest Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe Ever

Smoky cilantro lime chicken fajitas bring a vibrant explosion of southwestern flavors that dance across your palate with incredible zest.

This dynamic dish combines bold spices, fresh herbs, and tender meat in a culinary symphony that enhances ordinary weeknight dinners.

Mexican-inspired cuisine shines through with its perfect balance of tangy and robust seasonings that awaken every taste bud.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these sizzling fajitas come together, requiring minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role, creating layers of complexity that elevate simple protein and vegetables into something extraordinary.

The combination of smoky spices, bright citrus, and aromatic cilantro ensures a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Intense marinades infuse the chicken with deep, rich notes that complement the charred edges and tender interior.

Bold Flavors in Every Bite of These Chicken Fajitas

• Unleash Bold Flavor Explosion: The combination of liquid smoke, soy sauce, and multiple spices creates an intense, mouth-watering taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: This one-skillet recipe allows for simple searing and sautéing, making it perfect for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal complicated steps.
• Customize for Every Craving: Flexible recipe lets you adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra toppings, making it ideal for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or casual gatherings with friends.

What You’ll Need for Smoky Cilantro Lime Perfection

• Chicken Strips: Lean protein that absorbs the smoky and zesty marinade flavors.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, citrusy notes to the dish.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful and crisp vegetables that provide sweetness and crunch.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and caramelizes nicely when sautéed.

• Lime Juice: Citrus element that tenderizes chicken and adds brightness.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and depth to the marinade.
• Liquid Smoke: Adds intense smoky flavor without grilling.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice common in Mexican cuisine.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and flavor.
• Chili Powder: Adds mild heat and traditional fajita flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes additional smoky dimension.
• Onion Powder: Concentrated onion flavor for depth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings heat and spiciness to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds pungent flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking and searing.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with browning chicken.

• Tortillas: Soft, warm wrap for holding fajita filling.
• Cheese: Optional topping for added creaminess.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy garnish.
• Chipotle Mayo: Spicy and creamy condiment.

Cooking Up Chicken Fajitas the Flavor-Packed Way

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Marinade

• Fresh lime juice
• Soy sauce
• Liquid smoke
• Cumin
• Kosher salt
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Chopped cilantro
• Minced garlic

Let the chicken soak in flavor for 15 minutes to 24 hours.

Step 2: Slice and Dice Colorful Veggies

Grab bell peppers and onion, then slice them into thin, vibrant strips. Set aside.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken to Perfection

Heat a cast iron skillet with vegetable oil. Cook chicken strips in batches, 2 minutes per side. Add a pat of butter during the flip for extra richness. Remove chicken and keep warm.

Step 4: Caramelize the Vegetable Medley

In the same skillet, add more oil. Toss in peppers and onions. Sprinkle kosher salt and sauté with reserved marinade until veggies are crisp-tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return chicken to the skillet with veggies. Warm everything through until heated evenly.

Step 6: Create Your Flavor Fiesta

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chipotle Mayo
• Extra lime juice
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Enjoy your smoky, tangy chicken fajita feast!

Tips for the Juiciest Fajitas with a Tangy Kick

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Achieve Perfect Sear: Pat chicken completely dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior without steaming.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper amount to match your heat tolerance, adding more or less based on personal preference.
• Elevate Veggie Crunch: Cut bell peppers and onions to similar sizes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Sear chicken in batches to maintain high skillet temperature, creating a delicious caramelized exterior instead of steaming the meat.

How to Keep Leftovers Zesty and Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover fajitas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken and veggies to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat: Warm fajitas gently in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Add a splash of water or broth to keep chicken moist and prevent drying. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture of chicken and vegetables.
• Freeze: Freeze chicken and veggie mixture separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Discard tortillas and fresh garnishes before freezing to preserve quality.

What Goes Well with Chicken Fajitas

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to complement the smoky, citrusy chicken flavors. The cocktail's brightness cuts through the rich, spicy marinade.
• Match with Fresh Cilantro Slaw: Create a light, crunchy side salad using shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of honey. This refreshing slaw balances the fajitas' intense smokiness.
• Serve with Cool Avocado Crema: Whip up a creamy dip using ripe avocados, sour cream, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. The smooth, tangy sauce provides a cooling contrast to the spicy, charred chicken.
• Recommend Mexican Amber Lager: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet beer like Negra Modelo to cleanse the palate and enhance the fajitas' complex spice profile.

Tasty Twists on a Tex-Mex Classic

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Swap cayenne for diced jalapeños and add a pinch of habanero powder for extra heat. Replace sour cream with pepper jack cheese and include black beans.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Trade chili powder with oregano and thyme. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Add crumbled feta cheese and swap bell peppers for zucchini strips.
• Caribbean Coconut Infusion: Incorporate coconut milk into marinade and swap vegetable oil with coconut oil. Include mango salsa as a topping and use tropical-blend spices like allspice and nutmeg.
• Low-Carb Protein Wrap: Skip tortillas and serve over cauliflower rice. Use lettuce wraps as an alternative. Add sliced avocado and reduce salt content for a lighter version.

Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Smoky cilantro lime chicken fajitas deliver a sizzling Mexican-inspired feast with bold, zesty flavors. Pepper-packed strips of marinated chicken dance alongside caramelized onions and bell peppers, promising a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with each spicy, tangy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken thighs, sliced into 1-inch strips

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus 1 teaspoon for veggies
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra for veggies
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 small bell peppers, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced

Serving Components:

• 12 6-inch flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

Garnishes:

• Sour cream
• Chipotle Mayo
• Guacamole
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken strips with a vibrant marinade of zesty lime juice, umami-rich soy sauce, smoky liquid smoke, warm cumin, kosher salt, fiery chili powder, deep smoked paprika, aromatic onion powder, subtle cayenne pepper, fresh cilantro, and minced garlic. Allow flavors to meld for 15 minutes to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Slice bell peppers and onions into uniform, thin strips, ensuring even cooking and beautiful presentation.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat, adding vegetable oil. Sear marinated chicken strips in batches, cooking approximately 2 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly caramelized. Add butter during the final flip for enhanced richness. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, introduce additional oil if needed, then add sliced peppers and onions. Pour reserved marinade over vegetables and sprinkle with kosher salt. Sauté until vegetables reach a crisp-tender texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Reintroduce seared chicken strips to the skillet, gently tossing with vegetables to reheat and integrate flavors thoroughly.
6. Warm tortillas briefly on a griddle or in a separate skillet. Layer tortillas with the sizzling chicken and vegetable mixture, optional shredded cheese, a dollop of tangy sour cream, drizzle of spicy Chipotle Mayo, fresh squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Marinating magic enhances the chicken’s flavor profile, transforming ordinary strips into a zesty, smoky sensation.
• Searing the chicken in batches ensures each piece develops a perfect golden-brown crust and retains maximum juiciness.
• Cast iron skillet creates an authentic, restaurant-quality char and helps develop deep, caramelized flavors for the veggies and meat.
• Reserved marinade adds an extra punch of seasoning when cooking bell peppers and onions, infusing them with intense taste.
• Opt for fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice at serving for a bright, fresh finish that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or Chipotle Mayo to create a personalized fajita experience.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 436 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg