This easy Ground Chicken Fajita Skillet delivers all the classic fajita flavors in a simple one-pan meal that's high in protein and low in carbs.
We love this Ground Chicken Fajita Skillet because it's such a tasty, easy, and budget-friendly way to enjoy all the classic flavors of fajitas. Ground chicken cooks quickly in one skillet with bell peppers, red onion, and a simple blend of Mexican-inspired spices for a yummy family dinner.
The combination of seasoned chicken and tender-crisp vegetables is delicious on its own, but even better piled into low-carb tortillas, lettuce wraps, or served over cauliflower rice. Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, or fresh cilantro to take it to the next level.
Not only is this skillet packed with flavor, but it's also high in protein and low in carbs. Best of all, everything cooks in one pan, so clean up is easy!
Ingredient Information
Ground chicken: We recommend using 93% or 94% lean ground chicken. It has enough fat to stay juicy and flavorful while still being a lean source of protein. Leaner ground chicken can dry out quickly during cooking.
Bell peppers: We use a combination of green and red bell peppers for flavor and color. The red pepper adds a little sweetness while the green pepper adds a slightly more savory flavor. Feel free to use any color bell peppers you have on hand.
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Red onion: Red onion adds a mild sweetness and beautiful color to the skillet. If you prefer, you can easily substitute a yellow onion.
Seasonings: A simple blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper gives this skillet that classic fajita-inspired flavor.
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
STEP 2: Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and red onion and lightly season with salt to taste. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to char. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
STEP 3: Add the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the ground chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Carefully drain any excess liquid or fat from the skillet. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water and stir well. (This helps the seasonings coat the chicken and creates a light sauce.)
STEP 4: Return the peppers and onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until everything is heated through and well coated with the seasonings.
STEP 5: Add your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, or fresh cilantro. Serve in low-carb tortillas, lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or straight from the skillet.
Expert Tips
Slice the vegetables evenly: Cutting the peppers and onion into similar-sized strips helps them cook evenly and gives the skillet that classic fajita look and texture.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Use a large skillet so the vegetables can brown instead of steam. A little caramelization adds a lot of flavor.
Drain excess liquid before seasoning: If your ground chicken releases a lot of liquid while cooking, drain it before adding the spices. This helps the seasonings stick to the chicken instead of getting poured out with the liquid.
Add a splash of water: After adding the seasonings, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. It helps distribute the spices evenly and creates a light sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Adjust the heat level: For a spicier skillet, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with your favorite hot sauce.
How to Store
Store leftover ground chicken fajita skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
If the mixture seems dry after storing, add a splash of water before reheating to help restore moisture.
More Ground Chicken Recipes
If you try this recipe, we would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag @lowcarbsimplified on your photo of this recipe on Instagram or Facebook. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
Recipe
Ground Chicken Fajitas Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 medium bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground chicken (93 or 94% lean; any higher not recommended)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and red onion and lightly season with salt to taste. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to char. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
- Add the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the ground chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Carefully drain any excess liquid or fat from the skillet. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water and stir well. (This helps the seasonings coat the chicken and creates a light sauce.)
- Return the peppers and onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until everything is heated through and well coated with the seasonings.
- Add your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, or fresh cilantro. Serve in low-carb tortillas, lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or straight from the skillet.
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