Description
A budget-friendly, one-pan weeknight dinner that combines juicy chicken thighs with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory fajita seasoning. Ready in just 25 minutes, this meal is kid-approved, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 medium bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 large lime, juiced
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into bite-sized strips. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in the spice mix to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly charred. Add minced garlic in the last minute.
- Return chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Toss to combine. Squeeze lime juice over the top and stir. Taste and adjust salt or add red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Remove from heat.
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas, rice, or on its own. Top with sour cream, Greek yogurt, cilantro, or extra lime wedges.
Notes
Do not crowd the pan to ensure proper searing and avoid steaming the vegetables. Use chicken thighs for juiciness, but chicken breasts work if monitored closely to prevent drying out. Save the pan drippings for extra flavor. For a lighter version, use chicken breasts and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken fajita skillet, one pan dinner, budget family meal, weeknight dinner, healthy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free option, dairy-free option