A Smoky, Flavor-Packed Take on a Classic: BBQ Chicken Fajitas
BBQ Chicken Fajitas combine the sizzling goodness of fajitas and the smoky richness of barbecue sauce to create a flavorful dish. This dish is ideal for meal prep, backyard barbecues, and weeknight dinners. Every bite is enticing due to the bold BBQ spices, charred bell peppers and onions, and juicy, marinated chicken.
These BBQ Chicken Fajitas will become your new favorite dish if you enjoy traditional fajitas but want to add a sweet, smoky, and tangy twist!
The Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The combination of fajita seasoning, zesty lime, and smoky BBQ sauce creates an amazing flavor.
✔ Simple & Quick – Completes in 30 minutes.
✔ Excellent for Stovetop or Grilling Cooking It can be prepared in an oven, cast-iron skillet, or barbecue.
Healthy & Customizable – High in protein, low in carbs, and adaptable to any diet.
✔ Crowd-pleaser – Excellent for food preparation, gatherings, and family dinners.
Barbecue Chicken Fajita Ingredients
For the chicken marinade: – 2 large chicken breasts (sliced into strips, boneless, and skinless)
¼ cup BBQ sauce (the brand of your choice)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Cuisine | Mexican-American |
| Course | Main Dish |
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 large (sliced into strips) |
| BBQ sauce | ¼ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Lime juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
For the Fajita Vegetables:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red bell pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Green bell pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Red onion | 1 medium (sliced) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
For Serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour tortillas | 8 small |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) | ½ cup (optional) |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt | ½ cup (optional) |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish |
| Avocado | 1 (sliced) |
| Lime wedges | For serving |
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add sliced chicken, coat well, and let marinate for 15-30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
- Cook the Fajita Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly charred.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- If using a grill, cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until done.
- Assemble the Fajitas
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or oven.
- Place BBQ chicken onto tortillas and top with grilled veggies, cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Tips
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (Airtight Container) | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer (Chicken Only) | Up to 2 months |
| Reheating (Skillet or Microwave) | 5 minutes |
💡 Tip: Store chicken and vegetables separately for the best texture when reheating.
Detailed Directions
1. Let the Chicken Marinate
BBQ sauce, olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper should all be combined in a big bowl.
To ensure even coating, add the sliced chicken to the marinade and stir thoroughly.
For a deeper taste, marinate it for up to 24 hours, but cover and leave it for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Fajita Vegetables –
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Cook the onions and bell peppers for 5–6 minutes until they are softened and slightly browned.
After adding salt and black pepper for seasoning, take out of the skillet and put aside.
3. Prepare the Barbecue Chicken –
If necessary, add a bit additional oil to the same skillet.
Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring periodically, for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a hint of caramel.
Tip: If grilling, cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side on a medium-hot grill.
4. Assemble the Fajitas –
Either cover the flour tortillas in foil and reheat in the oven, or warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
Each tortilla should have BBQ chicken on it.
Add grilled fajita veggies, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro on top.
Before serving, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the fajitas.
Guidelines for the Greatest Fajitas with BBQ Chicken
✅ Use a Smoky BBQ Sauce – The flavor of the fajitas will be enhanced by a high-quality BBQ sauce with smoky undertones.
Avoid packing the pan too full
✅ To achieve a beautiful sear, cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
✅ Char the Tortillas – Toasting the tortillas lightly over an open flame gives them an authentic touch.
✅ Make it Spicy – For a hotter kick, add jalapeños or chili flakes.
✅ barbecue for Extra Flavor: The chicken and veggies will have a wonderful smokey flavor when cooked on an outside barbecue.
Concluding Reflections
Packed inside a warm tortilla, BBQ chicken fajitas are the ideal fusion of smokey, sweet, and savory flavors. This dish is a surefire hit whether you’re preparing for a summer BBQ, a weeknight supper, or meal prepping.
🔥 Enjoy a flavorful, sizzling supper by trying these BBQ Chicken Fajitas today! 🌮✨
