One-Pan Chicken Fajita Skillet

This Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Skillet Is My Go-To 20-Minute Dinner

As someone who has cooked professionally and also juggles busy workdays, I understand the constant search for easy, fast, and healthy weeknight meals. While writing this article, I actually cooked this One-Pan Chicken Fajita Skillet easy recipe three times in one week—once for my family, once for friends, and once just to make sure every measurement was absolutely perfect. That’s how confident I am in calling this one of the best recipes for 20 minute dinners when you want something homemade, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

This dish is inspired by classic Mexican fajitas but simplified into a quick, clean eating, high protein skillet meal that uses just one pan. And yes—it comes with creamy jalapeno verde sauce that takes it to the next level.

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Why This Is the Best One-Pan Chicken Fajita Skillet for Weeknight Meals

When developing weeknight meals, I focus on three things: speed, nutrition, and flavor. This recipe checks all three boxes. It’s fast, ready in under 20 minutes, uses lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bold seasoning, and it doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.

Because everything cooks in one skillet, the flavors build naturally. The chicken absorbs the marinade, the vegetables caramelize beautifully, and the creamy jalapeno verde sauce ties it all together. This is why I consider it one of my best clean eating skillet recipes.

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Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken Fajita Skillet (Exact Measurements)

For the Chicken Marinade & Seasoning

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (15 ml)

For the Fajita Vegetables

• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)

For the Creamy Jalapeno Verde Sauce

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (120 g)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (10 g)
• 1 small jalapeno, seeded
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (15 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons water (30 ml), as needed for blending

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The Marinade Secret: Flavor in Minutes

A common misconception is that marinades need hours. For skillet cooking, especially with thinly sliced chicken, 10–15 minutes is enough. While testing this recipe, I found that the combination of lime juice, olive oil, and bold Mexican seasoning penetrates quickly, keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Mix the chicken with all marinade ingredients in a bowl and let it rest while you prep your vegetables. This step alone makes the recipe taste like it took far more effort than it actually did.

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Why I Always Use a Cast Iron Skillet

If there’s one tool I reach for again and again, it’s a cast iron skillet. It retains heat beautifully, which is essential for achieving that classic fajita-style sear.

Using cast iron also allows the chicken and vegetables to caramelize instead of steam. This is the difference between a good skillet meal and a restaurant-quality one-pan dinner.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make This Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Skillet

1. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
2. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat.
3. Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes without stirring.
4. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6. Add remaining olive oil and sliced vegetables to the same skillet.
7. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
8. Return chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
9. Remove from heat and prepare the sauce.

This entire process takes under 20 minutes, making it ideal for quick, fast, and stress-free dinners.

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Creamy Jalapeno Verde Sauce (The Flavor Boost)

Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth. Add water gradually to reach your desired consistency. I discovered while testing that Greek yogurt provides creaminess without overpowering the fresh, spicy notes of jalapeno and cilantro.

This sauce transforms the skillet into something truly special and keeps the dish aligned with healthy and clean eating goals.

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My Go-To Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

1. 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

A high-quality cast iron skillet ensures even heat, perfect searing, and long-lasting durability. I use mine weekly for skillet recipes like this one.

Why I recommend it: Enhances flavor, perfect for one-pan meals, and lasts a lifetime.

Upgrade your cooking—grab a cast iron skillet on Amazon and taste the difference.

2. High-Speed Blender for Jalapeno Verde Sauce

A smooth, creamy sauce depends on a reliable blender. This makes the jalapeno verde sauce silky and restaurant-quality.

Why I recommend it: Consistent texture, quick blending, easy cleanup.

Make sauces, dressings, and smoothies effortlessly—check it out on Amazon.

3. Measuring Spoon & Cup Set

Exact measurements matter, especially when building flavor. A sturdy stainless steel set keeps your recipes consistent every time.

Why I recommend it: Accuracy, durability, and easy storage.

Cook with confidence—add a quality measuring set to your Amazon cart today.

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Healthy Swaps & Clean Eating Tips

To keep this recipe aligned with clean eating, you can:

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness (same measurement)
• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt if needed
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

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How I Serve This for Weeknight Meals

At home, I often serve this skillet family-style straight from the pan. Some nights it goes into warm tortillas, other nights it becomes a fajita bowl with rice or greens. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Never Fails Me

Writing this blog post reminded me why I love sharing recipes like this. The One-Pan Chicken Fajita Skillet easy recipe proves that healthy, high protein, Mexican-inspired food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s quick, fast, and deeply satisfying—exactly what I want after a long day.

If you’re building a collection of reliable weeknight meals, this one deserves a permanent spot. I know it has one in my kitchen.