Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce.

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner that feels like a fiesta in your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce is one of my absolute favorites. The colorful peppers combined with perfectly seasoned chicken create a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also beautiful to serve. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

What makes this dish even more special is the creamy jalapeño verde sauce. It adds a delightful twist that transforms simple fajitas into something extraordinary. Trust me; once you try these fajitas, they’ll become a regular on your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves fajitas! Kids and adults alike will enjoy building their own tortillas.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the ingredients in advance, saving time when you’re ready to cook.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and the creamy sauce creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Colorful Presentation: Serve them up with fresh toppings for a visually stunning meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this dish shine! These are staples you might already have in your kitchen, so it’s easy to whip them up any time.

For the Chicken Fajitas

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili powder or tajin
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• Chili flakes (to taste)
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced (any colors you like!)
• 1 poblano pepper, sliced
• 8-10 tortillas, warmed

For Serving

• Cotija cheese (or your favorite cheese), limes, and cilantro

For the Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup salsa verde
• 1-3 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different take.
• Add more veggies: Load up on extra vegetables like zucchini or corn for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add more chopped jalapeños or fresh chilies.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with black beans or lentils for a hearty meatless option.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, combine the olive oil, chicken slices, smoked paprika, chili powder (or tajin), cumin, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together so the chicken is well coated. Set the skillet over high heat. Cooking until seared all over and cooked through takes about 8-10 minutes. During the last two minutes of cooking time, add in the butter, garlic, and chili flakes. This step adds wonderful flavor to your chicken!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In that same skillet—don’t wash it out yet!—add the sliced onions. Sauté until fragrant for about 5 minutes. Then toss in those colorful bell peppers and poblano pepper. Season them with salt and pepper as they cook until tender for another 5 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring everything back together! Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with those vibrant peppers and onions. Toss gently to combine all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

For that dreamy creamy jalapeño verde sauce, melt together cream cheese and salsa verde in a small skillet over low heat. Whisk constantly until everything is beautifully creamy. Remove from heat and stir in your chopped pickled jalapeños for an extra kick!

Step 5: Assemble Your Fajitas

Now comes the fun part! Stuff those warm tortillas with your chicken mixture. Top generously with your creamy jalapeño verde sauce along with fresh cilantro and cotija cheese. Enjoy every bite of these amazing fajitas!

This Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce will surely become a new favorite in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and these pro tips will help you make your skillet chicken fajitas even more scrumptious!

• Marinate the Chicken: If time allows, marinating the chicken for a few hours (or overnight) with the spices enhances the flavor and tenderness. A little extra time can make a big difference!
• Use Fresh Veggies: Opt for fresh bell peppers and onions for a crunchier texture and vibrant colors. This not only makes your dish visually appealing but also adds to the overall flavor profile.
• Adjust Heat Levels: Feel free to customize the spiciness of your dish! Start with fewer jalapeños in the sauce and adjust according to your taste preferences. Everyone loves a personalized touch!
• Warm Your Tortillas: Gently warming your tortillas before serving makes them pliable and enhances their flavor. A warm tortilla wraps around your filling perfectly, making it easier to enjoy every bite!
• Experiment with Cheese: While cotija cheese is recommended, feel free to try other cheeses like feta or Monterey Jack for different flavors. This simple swap can elevate your dish to new heights!

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

Presenting your skillet chicken fajitas beautifully can make mealtime more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty squeeze that brightens up every bite.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices elevate the dish both in flavor and presentation, providing a rich contrast to the spices.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice is a classic pairing that soaks up all those wonderful flavors from the fajitas. It’s simple yet satisfying!
• Black Beans: A side of seasoned black beans adds protein and fiber, rounding out your meal while keeping it hearty.
• Grilled Corn Salad: This refreshing salad brings sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall meal experience with its colorful ingredients.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser! It’s perfect for dipping your fajitas or adding some extra creaminess right on top.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience centered around your flavorful skillet chicken fajitas with creamy jalapeño verde sauce! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep! With its vibrant flavors and satisfying ingredients, you can easily make it ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, consider storing the chicken and vegetables separately from the tortillas.

Freezing

• You can freeze the chicken and pepper mixture for up to 2 months.
• Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• When freezing, avoid pre-stuffing tortillas as they may become soggy upon thawing.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
• For tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet or microwave just before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use different proteins in Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken with sliced beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is the Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce?

The spiciness of the sauce will depend on how many pickled jalapeños you add. Start with one tablespoon and increase according to your heat preference!

Can I make Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce without cream cheese?

Yes! If you’d like a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based cream cheese or avocado instead. This will still give you that creamy texture while keeping it entirely animal product-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with color, taste, and warmth that brings loved ones together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon!