How To Make Restaurant Style Fajitas At Home, quick & easy recipe
How To Make Restaurant Style FAJITAS At Home, quick & easy recipe! is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min
Cost: $13.03 total, $3.26 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into thin strips)
- 2 Bell Pepper (mixed colors, sliced into strips)
- 1 Onion (medium, sliced)
- 3 Tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for marinade and pan)
- 7 splashes Maggi Seasoning Sauce (approximately 1 Tbsp total)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (for slurry)
- 0.75 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables & Garlic
Slice the bell peppers into thin strips, slice the onion, and mince the garlic clove. Set aside.
Time: PT10M
Make Marinade
In a mixing bowl combine minced garlic, 3 Tbsp oil, 3 Tbsp lime juice, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a few splashes of Maggi. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Time: PT5M
Marinate Chicken
Add the chicken strips to the bowl, toss to coat evenly, cover, and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Prepare Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 Tbsp cornstarch into the 3/4 cup chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
Time: PT3M
Sauté Vegetables
Heat the large skillet over medium‑high heat, add a splash of oil, and once hot, add the bell peppers and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened but still crisp.
Time: PT7M
Cook First Batch of Chicken
Remove the vegetables and set aside. Add a thin layer of oil to the same skillet, then add half of the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring once, until the chicken is opaque and just cooked through.
Time: PT5M
Cook Second Batch of Chicken
Remove the first batch and repeat with the remaining chicken, cooking another 5 minutes until fully done.
Time: PT5M
Combine & Finish
Return all cooked chicken and the sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Pour in the cornstarch‑broth slurry, stir, and let simmer for 2‑3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Turn off the heat, transfer the fajita mixture to a serving dish, and serve immediately with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Low‑carb, Gluten‑Free if using gluten‑free Maggi
Allergens: Contains soy (Maggi seasoning), Contains corn (cornstarch), May contain wheat if Maggi seasoning is not gluten‑free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, Firm tofu
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper, Poblano peppers
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Lime Juice: Lemon juice
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Olive oil (light)
- Instead of Maggi Seasoning Sauce: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder, All-purpose flour (2 Tbsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Honey (2 tsp), Maple syrup (1 Tbsp)
- Instead of Chili Powder: Paprika + cayenne mix
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Coriander powder
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic (extra)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Additional fresh onion
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Small Bowl
- Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the chicken for flavor
- Creating a smooth cornstarch slurry
- Cooking chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding
- Simmering the sauce until it thickens and coats the ingredients
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a cast‑iron skillet for the best sear and flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the sauce cling.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving for extra brightness.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns out dry.
Do not overcook; cook just until no longer pink and remove from heat immediately. Marinating longer helps retain moisture.
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer a little longer to reduce, or add an extra half teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
Vegetables become mushy.
Cook vegetables on high heat for a short time and remove them before adding the chicken; re‑add at the end.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Slice the peppers and onion a day ahead and store in a sealed container.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry just before cooking; it only lasts a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken fajitas in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Fajitas originated in the ranch lands of South Texas where Mexican cowboys (vaqueros) would grill skirt steak over open flames. Over time, the concept expanded to include chicken, peppers, and onions, becoming a staple of Tex‑Mex street food and family meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken fajitas in Mexican and Tex‑Mex cuisine?
In traditional Mexican cuisine, fajitas are often served with simple corn tortillas and fresh cilantro. Tex‑Mex versions add flour tortillas, cheese, sour cream, and sometimes a splash of Maggi or soy sauce for umami, as demonstrated by Cooking Con Claudia.
How is restaurant‑style chicken fajitas traditionally served in Texas?
Restaurants typically serve sizzling chicken fajitas on a hot cast‑iron platter with sautéed bell peppers and onions, accompanied by warm tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and lime wedges.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken fajitas traditionally associated with in Tex‑Mex culture?
Fajitas are popular for casual family gatherings, weekend barbecues, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations because they are quick to prepare, customizable, and great for communal dining.
What makes chicken fajitas special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
The combination of smoky, high‑heat seared chicken with bright lime, sweet brown sugar, and the umami boost from Maggi creates a balanced flavor profile that is both tangy and savory, distinguishing it from other Mexican dishes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken fajitas at home?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than sears the chicken, over‑marinating which can make the meat mushy, and adding too much broth, resulting in a watery sauce.
Why does this chicken fajitas recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour to thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch thickens quickly at lower temperatures and gives a glossy, smooth finish without altering the flavor, whereas flour can make the sauce cloudy and require longer cooking.
Can I make the chicken fajitas ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours, and the cooked fajitas keep well refrigerated for 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken fajitas are done?
The chicken should be opaque, slightly caramelized on the edges, and still juicy. The vegetables should be tender‑crisp, and the sauce should coat everything with a glossy sheen.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia specialize in?
Cooking Con Claudia focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort food with simple techniques, often featuring quick weeknight meals and Latin‑inspired dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Claudia emphasizes minimal prep, pantry‑friendly ingredients, and step‑by‑step narration, making Tex‑Mex dishes like fajitas accessible without needing specialty equipment or hard‑to‑find spices.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








