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Juicy Easy Summer Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe for Perfect Flavor

summer grilled chicken fajitas - featured image

A quick and easy grilled chicken fajitas recipe bursting with smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors, perfect for summer cookouts and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or preferred)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Add chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips while chicken marinates.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
  5. Place marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Toss pepper and onion strips with a little olive oil and pinch of salt. Grill for 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally until tender and slightly charred.
  7. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Slice chicken into thin strips across the grain.
  9. Warm tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side, then wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
  10. Assemble fajitas by layering sliced chicken, grilled peppers, and onions on tortillas. Add cilantro, lime juice, sour cream or yogurt, and shredded cheese as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours for best flavor. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps. Avoid flipping chicken repeatedly to develop a good sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken fajitas, summer recipe, easy fajitas, smoky chicken, quick dinner, backyard BBQ, healthy fajitas