Description
A fast, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken strips and caramelized bell peppers in a smoky, spicy sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 medium bell peppers (red and green mix recommended), sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup medium salsa
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: Slice chicken, peppers, and onions into strips. Mince garlic and measure spices.
- Season chicken strips in a bowl with half of the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add more oil if needed. Toss in bell peppers and onions. Cook on high heat for 2 minutes undisturbed to char, then stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add garlic in the last 30 seconds.
- Return chicken to the pan. Sprinkle with remaining spices. Add salsa and lime juice. Toss to combine and simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve immediately with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
Notes
Do not crowd the pan to ensure proper searing rather than steaming. Use fresh lime juice and fresh garlic for best flavor. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check salsa labels. Do not freeze as vegetables become mushy upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet m
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken fajita skillet, one pan dinner, weeknight dinner, quick meals, healthy dinner, gluten-free, 20 minute meals