Creamy Fajita Chicken Breast (Easy One-Pan Dinner)

Creamy Fajita Chicken Breast
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Let me guess—you love fajitas, but you also love creamy sauces. Same.
A few years ago, I stood in my kitchen staring at chicken breasts and a half-used packet of fajita seasoning, thinking, What if I don’t want tortillas tonight? That random thought turned into this creamy fajita chicken breast, and honestly, it never left my weekly dinner rotation.

This recipe hits that sweet spot between bold Tex-Mex flavor and cozy, creamy comfort food. It feels indulgent without being complicated, and it works on busy weeknights when you want something exciting but not exhausting. Ever had one of those nights? Yeah—this recipe gets it.


Why Creamy Fajita Chicken Just Works

The flavor combo that never fails

Fajita seasoning already brings smoky, spicy, savory vibes. When you mix that with a creamy sauce, the sharp edges soften without losing personality. The chicken stays juicy, the peppers stay vibrant, and the sauce pulls everything together like it knows its job.

What makes this recipe special (IMO):

  • Bold fajita spices
  • Creamy sauce without heaviness
  • One pan, minimal cleanup
  • Great leftovers (rare win)

Why fight dinner when it can cooperate?


The Chicken Breast Question (Yes, It Matters)

I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts here because:

  • They cook fast
  • They soak up seasoning beautifully
  • They stay lean but satisfying

The trick? Don’t overcook them. Chicken breasts turn dry fast if you bully them. I learned this the hard way back in my early “leave it on high and hope” days. Not proud.


Tools I Actually Use (And Why)

I cook this in a 12-inch stainless steel skillet because it gives me even heat and a nice sear. My favorite is the All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Fry Pan. It’s pricey, yes, but I’ve abused mine for years and it still performs like a champ.

Here’s the exact one I use:
👉 https://amzn.to/3KZ0maP

For spices, I keep things simple with McCormick Fajita Seasoning, mostly because it tastes consistent and doesn’t overdo the salt.
👉 https://amzn.to/44FrsKO

Nothing fancy—just reliable.


Ingredients (Simple but Intentional)

Here’s what goes into this dish. No filler ingredients, no random extras.

For the chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (sliced lengthwise)
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the creamy fajita sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 small onion (sliced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Fajita Chicken Breast

Step 1: Season the Chicken

I slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly. I coat them generously with fajita seasoning and press it in with my hands. This part gets messy—but messy food usually tastes better, right?


Step 2: Sear for Flavor (Don’t Rush This)

I heat olive oil in my skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. I let it sear undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side. That golden crust builds flavor you can’t fake later.

Once cooked, I remove the chicken and set it aside. I don’t worry if it finishes cooking later—it will.


Step 3: Veggies Go In

I drop butter into the same pan (hello flavor) and add the sliced peppers and onion. I cook them until they soften but still hold shape. Mushy peppers ruin the vibe.

I add garlic last because burnt garlic tastes bitter, and nobody wants that surprise.


Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

I pour in chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the pan. That’s liquid gold right there.

Then I add:

  • Heavy cream
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper

I let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly. No boiling. Cream hates drama.


Step 5: Bring It All Together

I return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. I simmer everything for another 5 minutes until the chicken finishes cooking and the sauce hugs everything just right.

At this point, I taste and adjust seasoning. Always taste. Always.


Tips I Wish Someone Told Me Earlier

Slice chicken evenly

Uneven slices cook unevenly. Simple math.

Don’t skip the pan fond

Those browned bits = flavor depth.

Let the sauce thicken naturally

Cornstarch shortcuts change the texture. Patience wins here.


Variations I’ve Tried (And Liked)

Make it spicy

Add chipotle powder or cayenne. Start small unless you enjoy pain.

Lighten it up

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It still works, just slightly thinner.

Add cheese

A small handful of shredded Monterey Jack melts beautifully into the sauce.


What This Dish Pairs Well With

I usually serve this with:

  • Rice (classic)
  • Mashed potatoes (unexpected but amazing)
  • Warm tortillas
  • Steamed veggies if I feel responsible

Leftovers also work great in wraps the next day.


Storage & Reheating (Because Life Happens)

I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

  • Stovetop on low with a splash of broth
  • Microwave works, but stir halfway

The sauce thickens overnight, which I actually love.


Creamy Fajita Chicken Breast

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex Mex
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts sliced
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with fajita seasoning.
  2. Sear chicken in olive oil until golden; remove.
  3. Sauté peppers and onion in butter.
  4. Add garlic, broth, and cream.
  5. Simmer, return chicken, and cook until done.
  6. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Slice chicken evenly for best texture.
  • Don’t boil the cream.
  • Adjust spice level to taste.
  • Sauce thickens as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This creamy fajita chicken breast recipe lives in that rare category of food that feels both exciting and comforting. It’s bold without being loud, creamy without being heavy, and easy without being boring.

If you make it once, you’ll probably make it again. And again. And suddenly it becomes “that chicken dish” everyone asks for.

Not a bad reputation to have 🙂

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