Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Fajitas: A Rustic Take on a Classic

Fajitas are one of those dishes that feel like a celebration of simplicity—grab some bright peppers, juicy chicken, and a handful of spices, and you’ve got a meal that’s both quick and satisfying. I love how the sizzling sound and smoky aroma turn a humble supper into a little party in the kitchen.
What makes this version stand out is the marinade—simple, fresh, and punchy, it elevates the everyday into something special. Plus, it’s a dish that invites improvisation, a perfect canvas for whatever’s lurking in your fridge.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

It’s honest, straightforward, and forgiving. The smoky aroma filling the kitchen, the juicy bites, and the vibrant crunch make it a satisfying, no-fuss meal. I love how adaptable it is—adding different peppers or toppings keeps it fresh. It’s a dish I return to when I want something lively but uncomplicated, especially after a long day.

Inside the Ingredients: What Makes Them Shine

• Chicken breasts: My go-to for quick cooking, tender bites that soak up flavors. Feel free to swap for thighs for more flavor.: Lean, mild, and juicy, they’re the backbone of this dish.
• Bell peppers: Bright, sweet, and a little smoky when charred. Use red, yellow, or orange for color—green works too but less sweet.: They add crunch and a pop of color, essential for the visual and flavor contrast.
• Onions: I prefer red onions—they caramelize beautifully and add a subtle sharpness. Yellow or white can work.: They soften and sweeten, balancing the spice.
• Lime juice: Essential for that zesty brightness, wake up all the flavors. Swap with lemon if needed, but lime keeps it authentic.: A splash brightens everything and cuts through the richness.
• Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes—my secret weapons for smoky heat and depth. Adjust to your heat tolerance.: They transform simple chicken into a flavor-packed dish.
• Tortillas: Warm, soft, perfect for wrapping. Corn or flour—whatever you prefer, just make sure they’re fresh.: They hold everything together, a handheld feast.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds herbal freshness, a sprinkle right before serving. Parsley can be a mild substitute.: Bright, aromatic, and a little grassy.

Tools of the Trade for Perfect Fajitas

• Large frying pan: To get that high heat for searing and charring.
• Sharp knife: To slice the chicken and vegetables evenly.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace tidy and safe.
• Bowl for marinating: To toss and coat the chicken evenly with spices and lime.

Step-by-Step to Flavorful Fajitas

Step 1: Gather your equipment: a large frying pan, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a bowl for marinating.

Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1 cm wide. Marinate with lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat your pan over medium-high heat (about 200°C/390°F). Add a splash of oil, then lay the chicken strips flat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned.

Step 4: Add sliced peppers and onions to the pan, cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and edges char slightly.

Step 5: Warm your tortillas in a dry pan or microwave. Serve the chicken and veg scooped into tortillas, with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips

• Ensure the chicken is cooked through—internal temp should reach 75°C/165°F.
• Vegetables should be tender with slightly charred edges for that smoky flavor.
• The tortillas should be warm and pliable, not dry or brittle.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Adding cold ingredients to a hot pan, causing steaming instead of searing.? FORGOT to preheat the pan—fix by heating for at least 2 minutes before adding ingredients.
• Oil pooling and splattering.? DUMPED too much oil—use just enough to coat the pan lightly, about a teaspoon.
• Charring the vegetables too much, losing flavor.? OVER-TORCHED the peppers—reduce heat slightly and stir more frequently to prevent burning.
• Juicy chicken turning dry when sliced immediately.? Not resting the chicken—let it sit for 3 minutes after cooking to retain juices.

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a vibrant, sizzling dish featuring tender strips of marinated chicken cooked with colorful peppers and onions. The quick stir-frying process creates a smoky aroma and a slightly charred exterior, culminating in a juicy, flavorful filling wrapped in warm tortillas. Brightened with lime and fresh cilantro, this dish is both lively and satisfying, perfect for a casual celebration in your kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces chicken breasts sliced into thin strips
• 2 assorted bell peppers sliced into strips, use a mix of colors
• 1 large red onion sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
• 8 pieces flour tortillas warm before serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Bowl for marinating

Method

 

1. Gather your equipment: a large frying pan, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a bowl for marinating.
   
2. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips about 1 cm wide, ensuring even pieces for quick cooking.
   
3. In a bowl, combine lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Toss the chicken strips in this marinade and let sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak in and the chicken to become tender.
   
4. Preheat your large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot, and add about a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, lay the marinated chicken strips flat in the pan.
   
5. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. You should hear a satisfying sizzle and see the chicken develop a slight caramel color.
   
6. Add sliced peppers and onions to the pan with the chicken, spreading them out evenly. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop a few charred edges for smoky flavor.
   
7. While the filling cooks, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable, about 20-30 seconds.
   
8. Once everything is ready, spoon the hot chicken and vegetable mixture into each tortilla, dividing evenly.
   
9. Garnish each fajita with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness and brightness.
   
10. Serve immediately while warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the smoky, juicy, and vibrant flavors wrapped in soft tortillas.

Notes

For an extra punch, add sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream. Make sure not to over-char the vegetables to keep their sweetness and texture.