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Stovetop Chicken Fajitas

I LOVE chicken fajitas, especially when they hit the table sizzling hot with juicy chicken, charred veggies, and warm tortillas ready to fill. These easy Stovetop Chicken Fajitas bring that same restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen with thinly sliced chicken breast, peppers and onions, homemade fajita seasoning, fresh lime juice, and flour tortillas, all made in one skillet. I use simple pantry spices instead of a seasoning packet, which keeps the flavor bold, fresh, and budget-friendly. The chicken always turns out tender and juicy, and the whole dinner comes together fast for a busy weeknight!

Overhead view of stovetop chicken fajita filling in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

Easy Stovetop Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a Tex-Mex favorite made with seasoned chicken, peppers and onions, and tortillas for filling. In my recipe here, the short marinade does a lot of work with just a few ingredients. The lime juice adds brightness, the oil helps the seasoning coat the thin chicken slices, and cutting the chicken small gives all those spices more surface area to flavor.

I still love our sheet pan chicken fajitas when I want the oven to do most of the work, but these stovetop chicken fajitas cook much quicker once the chicken is marinated and feel a little closer to the sizzling restaurant version! I cook the peppers and onions separately with some of the fajita seasoning so they can soften, pick up some color, and taste just as seasoned as the chicken. Then everything goes back into the skillet to warm through before piling it into dry-toasted flour tortillas. Heating the tortillas first makes them warm, flexible, lightly browned, and so much more flavorful without adding a penny!

Slice the chicken thinly and evenly. Thin strips cook quickly, fit easily into fajita-sized tortillas, and give the seasoning more surface area to coat. Try to slice the chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same pace.
Marinate the chicken for the most flavor! A short 30-minute marinade is a simple way to make chicken breast taste more flavorful without adding expensive ingredients. You can also marinate the chicken overnight if you’re prepping ahead, though I wouldn’t marinate the chicken for longer than 24 hours, as the lime juice can break down the chicken and make it mushy.
Give the chicken room to brown. I use a hot skillet and spread the chicken out as much as possible. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before flipping to develop flavorful browned edges. If the pan is crowded or the chicken is stirred too much, it releases moisture and steams instead of searing. If your skillet is on the smaller side, cook the chicken in two batches.
Season the chicken and veggies separately. I marinate the chicken with some of the fajita seasoning first before cooking it in the skillet. Then I cook the peppers and onions with the rest of the fajita seasoning, so both parts of the filling get lots of fajita flavor. This also keeps the pan from getting overcrowded, which helps the chicken brown and gives the vegetables time to soften and pick up a little color!
Use the peppers and onions you have. I used a yellow sweet onion and green bell pepper to keep this recipe budget-friendly. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers will also work. They’ll add more color and sweetness, and you can also add other quick-cooking veggies like mushrooms. Slice everything fairly thin so the vegetables cook evenly and fit into the tortillas.
Toast the tortillas before serving. This is an easy, no-cost way to make these skillet chicken fajitas taste even better! Toasting the tortillas in a dry skillet makes them flexible (so they’re less likely to split) and sturdy enough to hold the filling. I like to toast them before cooking the chicken, then stack them under a clean towel so they stay soft and warm while the fajita filling cooks.

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Stovetop Chicken Fajitas

This Stovetop Chicken Fajitas recipe is made in one skillet with juicy seasoned chicken, peppers, onions, lime, and warm tortillas!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican, texmex

Total Cost $5.73 recipe / $1.15 serving

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Marinate Time 30

Total Time 1 10

Servings servings (2 fajitas each)

Calories 382kcal

Author Melissa Nolan

Equipment

Small Bowl
Medium Skillet
Plate

Ingredients

Fajita Seasoning

1 tsp chili powder $0.03
1 tsp ground cumin $0.04
1 tsp paprika $0.04
1 tsp garlic powder $0.06
1¼ tsp salt $0.05
½ tsp black pepper freshly cracked, $0.08

Chicken Fajitas

1 lb. chicken breast thinly sliced, (2 breasts, 453g) $2.57*
3 Tbsp vegetable oil divided, $0.12
1 lime juiced, (2 Tbsp) $0.25**
10 small flour tortillas fajita-sized, $1.06
1 green bell pepper thinly sliced, (150 g, 1½ cups) $0.78
1 onion thinly sliced, (240g, 2 cups) $0.65

Instructions

Gather and prepare all ingredients.
In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your fajita seasoning.
Place half of the fajita seasoning, sliced chicken, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and lime juice in a Ziploc bag. Seal and massage it, then let it marinate for 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator.
Before you cook the chicken, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, dry toast the tortillas on each side until browned on the edges. Stack the toasted tortillas on a plate and cover with a towel until ready to serve.
In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully remove the chicken from the bag and add it to the pan in an even layer. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
Flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Turn the heat to medium and add the remaining vegetable oil. Add the peppers, onions, and the remaining fajita seasoning. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Place the chicken and any drippings back into the pan to warm through. Build the fajitas by dividing the chicken and vegetables between all the toasted tortillas. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work here if you prefer darker meat. They may need cooking an extra minute or two, depending on how thickly they’re sliced. Both chicken breasts and chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

**If you already have bottled lime juice on hand, you can use 2 Tbsp instead of fresh.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste: This spice blend was inspired by our homemade fajita seasoning, but I adjusted it a little for this skillet version. You can add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like spicy fajitas, or use smoked paprika if you want a smokier flavor.

Suggested toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced red onions, and shredded lettuce. Use whatever you love and have to use!

Nutrition

how to make Stovetop Chicken Fajitas step-by-step photos

Gather all of your ingredients.

Hands slicing chicken breast on a cutting board.

Slice the chicken: Thinly slice 1 lb. chicken breast so it cooks quickly and evenly.

Make the fajita seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1¼ tsp salt, and ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper. This is your homemade fajita seasoning.

Chicken and fajita seasonings in a zip-top bag.

Season the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to a large zip-top bag or bowl along with half of the fajita seasoning, 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, and the juice from 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp).

Marinate the chicken: Seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the chicken until the pieces are evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Sliced onions and green peppers on a cutting board.

Prep the veggies: Toward the end of the marinating time, thinly slice 1 green bell pepper and 1 onion.

Warm the tortillas: When you’re ready to cook, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toast 10 small flour tortillas (one at a time) for about 15-20 seconds per side, OR until they’re warm, lightly browned around the edges, and a few golden spots appear. Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover them with a clean towel to keep them soft and warm.

Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then add it to the hot skillet in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom is lightly browned.

Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be lightly browned, juicy, and no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Sliced onion, green peppers and seasoning added to a skillet.

Cook the veggies: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 Tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced green bell pepper, sliced onion, and the remaining fajita seasoning. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices and oil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Cook the veggies for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop lightly browned edges.

Stovetop chicken fajita filling in a skillet.

Assemble the fajitas: Add the cooked chicken and any juices from the plate back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes more, just until the chicken is warmed through and coated in the seasoned vegetables.

Serve: Divide the chicken, peppers, and onions between the warm toasted tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, avocado, cilantro, or extra lime wedges (all optional), then serve immediately. Enjoy!

Side view of stovetop chicken fajitas with toppings.

More Topping Ideas!

This is where I like to make chicken fajitas feel extra fun! A few toppings can add color, crunch, creaminess, brightness, or heat, and make this simple skillet dinner taste over the top! The best way to keep it budget-friendly is to use what you already have on hand, so pick and choose from these ideas instead of feeling like you need them all.

Tomatoes: Dice fresh tomatoes (remove the seeds first if preferred), then sprinkle them over the chicken for juicy freshness. Pico de gallo would also be a delicious way to get your tomato fix while adding even more flavor from onion, cilantro, and lime.
Cilantro: Roughly chop fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over top for a herby finish. A little goes a long way!
Avocado: Dice ripe avocado and add it right before serving for a creamy, buttery finish. Guacamole is even better if you’ve got it!
Shredded lettuce: Add a small handful for cool crunch. I prefer romaine or iceberg lettuce here.
Sour cream: Add a spoonful for a cool and creamy topping. It’ll also help mellow the heat if you add cayenne to the seasoning mix or jalapeños as a topping.
Shredded cheese: Sprinkle it on while the chicken and peppers are still warm so it gets a little melty! Go for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Pickled red onions: Add a few pickled red onions for tangy crunch! Thinly sliced raw red onions or sliced green onions are also great.
Jalapeños: Use fresh sliced jalapeños for crisp heat or pickled jalapeños for a tangy, spicy kick.
Lime wedges: Serve extra lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze on as much as they like.

I count two of these stovetop chicken fajitas as one filling serving, and that’s before you add any toppings! But I’m never mad about adding a simple side or two to make it feel like a full fajita night. Our (not) refried beans are a great budget-friendly side because they’re creamy, hearty, and easy to spoon right into the tortillas if you want extra filling. I also love Spanish rice for a classic restaurant-style plate. Or our street corn salad is fresh and easy to prep ahead to serve with multiple dinners, not just these easy chicken fajitas!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Store the filling without the tortillas so they don’t get soggy. Thaw frozen filling overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the chicken from drying out. Just note the peppers and onions will be softer after reheating, but still delicious. Assemble with the tortillas once reheated.

Love Fajitas? Try These Recipes Next!

My favorite thing about these Ground Beef Fajitas is how easy they are to stretch with rice, beans, chips, or whatever toppings are hanging out in the fridge.
Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas turn meaty mushrooms, peppers, and onions into an easy veggie dinner with smoky chipotle flavor.
Our Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a budget-friendly weeknight meal with bold Tex-Mex flavor and a creamy sauce.
I love topping these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas with extra lime, cilantro, and sour cream because those fresh toppings wake everything up!

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French Bread Pizza

This fast French Bread Pizza recipe is a classic Budget Byte because it’s super fast, ridiculously easy, customizable, and inexpensive! In just 20 minutes, a loaf of French bread turns into four crispy, cheesy pizzas with golden edges, tomatoey sauce, and all your favorite toppings. But one of my favorite reasons for making these French bread pizzas is that they’re a great way to use up the leftovers in your fridge. You can top these pizzas with just about anything, so dive into your refrigerator and find some creative pizza toppings! 😊

“LOVE this recipe! I usually eat it fresh the first night, and while the few slices I need are baking, I assemble the rest and freeze them. Fantastic for the nights when even though you’ve meal planned, you get home late and are starving! I use the pizza sauce recipe from the website also – and I prefer fresh mozz.”
Julie

An Easy Way to do Pizza Night

Don’t get me wrong, I think a homemade pizza made with fresh pizza dough is absolutely worth the effort when I have the time (I did work at a pizza counter many moons ago, after all!!). But on those extra busy nights when everyone is hungry now, this French bread pizza is the shortcut I come back to all the time. The bread already gives you a sturdy, ready-to-go base, so all you have to do is add sauce, cheese, and toppings before baking. You get crispy edges, melty cheese, and all the flavors of pizza night with a fraction of the work.

I skip any extra prep and add the toppings directly to the bread before baking here. The crust still turns out crisp around the edges while the inside stays soft and chewy. This easy French bread pizza is also a great recipe for using small amounts of leftover vegetables, cooked meats, cheeses, and sauces that might otherwise get forgotten in the fridge. Sometimes the most creative pizzas start with whatever needs using up!

Choose the right bread. A soft French bread loaf works best for this recipe because it crisps around the edges while staying slightly chewy in the center. I think very crusty artisan loaves or baguettes become a little too hard once baked with toppings. Other breads I’ve tried and loved for making quickie pizzas are naan, English muffins, pitas, and even tortillas!
Don’t overload the toppings. Too many toppings can make the bread soggy and stop the cheese from browning properly. I try to keep toppings in a fairly even layer so every bite gets plenty of flavor without weighing down the bread.
Watch high-moisture ingredients. Fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, and other vegetables release water as they cook. If you’re using lots of fresh vegetables, pat them dry first or use them sparingly to help keep the bread crisp.
Go for a thick pizza sauce. I LOVE using my homemade pizza sauce here. It’s thick and rich, and doesn’t make the bread soggy. A store-bought pizza sauce would also work great. I’d avoid using a pasta sauce or marinara, just because they’re more watery and can make the French bread soggy.
Use what you’ve got, or hit the salad bar! One of my favorite ways to have fun with pizza toppings without spending a lot is to hit the salad bar at the grocery store. You can get a small handful of several different items to top your pizza, without having a lot of leftovers. Just remember to get less than you’d think. A little goes a long way, and salad bars are priced by weight! I’ve shared some of my favorite pizza toppings below!

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Easy French Bread Pizza

French Bread Pizza is the perfect budget-friendly fast and easy weeknight dinner. Customize the toppings to fit your taste buds or what you have on hand!

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Total Cost $2.85 recipe / $0.71 serving

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings servings (¼ French loaf each)

Calories 364kcal

Author Beth Moncel