Chicken fajitas (Mexican-style chicken with bell peppers)
Chicken fajitas are one of those meals that prove delicious food does not have to be complicated. With just a handful of spices, fresh vegetables, and quality chicken, you can create a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—everything cooks quickly in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the best things about fajitas is how easy it is to recreate bold Mexican-inspired flavors no matter where you live. A simple marinade made with lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika transforms plain chicken into something deeply aromatic and delicious. These spices are widely available around the world, allowing you to bring the essence of Mexican cooking into your own kitchen with minimal effort.
This recipe is also incredibly rich in protein, making it a nourishing choice for anyone focusing on balanced meals. Chicken provides high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance, energy levels, and overall metabolic health. For women in particular, adequate protein intake plays an important role in supporting hormone balance, maintaining lean muscle mass, and promoting long-lasting satiety throughout the day.
The vegetables add another layer of both flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers and onions cook quickly while maintaining their natural sweetness and slight crunch. For an even more vibrant plate, you can use all four colors of bell peppers—red, yellow, orange, and green—to create a beautiful rainbow effect. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also increases the variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients on your plate.
From a gut health perspective, this dish also brings several benefits. Onions contain prebiotic fibers that help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, while the colorful peppers provide fiber and vitamin C to support digestion and immune health. Combined with anti-inflammatory spices like cumin and chili powder, the recipe becomes a flavorful way to support overall wellness while still feeling like comfort food.
Another reason this recipe is such a staple in many households is that it is incredibly family-friendly. Kids often love the mild sweetness of the peppers and the juicy strips of chicken, and the dish can easily be customized for everyone at the table. Serve it with a fresh salad for a lighter meal, or add rice, tortillas, or roasted potatoes for a heartier option. Simple, colorful, and full of flavor, chicken fajitas are the kind of meal that brings both nourishment and joy to the dinner table.
Recipe
Ingredients
1200 g chicken strips (breast or thighs)
Meat marinade
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground black pepper
1.5 tsp salt
Vegetables
300 g bell peppers, cut into strips
300 g red onions, cut into strips
1 Tbsp oil
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Trim and clean the chicken, then cut it into equal strips and place it in a large bowl.
Marinate the meat: Add the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, pepper, and salt to the chicken. Mix thoroughly until all the pieces are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate while you prepare the vegetables. You can marinate the meat overnight for more flavor.
Prepare the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and red onions into even strips so they cook evenly.
Cook the chicken: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Once the pan is very hot, cook the chicken. Pro tip: avoid overcrowding the pan—cook the meat in batches if necessary. This allows the chicken to sear properly and develop a nice golden crust instead of steaming.
Cook the vegetables: Once all the chicken is cooked, set it aside. In the same pan, add the peppers and onions along with the oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for about one minute, just until slightly softened but still crisp. The goal is to keep their texture and bite, not make them soggy.
Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables, toss everything together, and serve immediately.
Serving suggestions: Enjoy this dish with a fresh salad for a low-carb meal, or pair it with rice or potatoes if you want a higher-carbohydrate option.
Macros for the Entire Recipe
Calories: 2,150 kcal
Protein: 383 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fat: 53 g
Macros for 6 servings
Calories: 358 kcal
Protein: 64 g
Carbs: 6 g
Fat: 9 g
As usual, these are my thoughts and ideas, not medical advice. You are encouraged to create your own recipes or search for some suited to your needs. I am just sharing my recipes, hoping that I can inspire some of you to make healthier food choices.
Please remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that food affects us differently. If you are not sure which foods are best for you, reach out for a free phone consultation.
In good health,
Ioana