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With this easy chicken fajita marinade, you’ll have juicy, flavor-packed chicken on the table faster than going out to eat.

Marinade for Chicken Fajitas
When I don’t know what to make for dinner but I have chicken, this chicken fajita marinade is my go-to. In just 20 minutes, it infuses the chicken with all the flavor you need for a dinnertime win.
While the chicken sizzles, I sip on my best margarita recipe and dip chips into some spicy guacamole. When the chicken is ready, I wrap it all up in warm tortillas and turn it into easy chicken fajita tacos.

How Long to Marinate Chicken for Fajitas
20 to 30 minutes is long enough to infuse the chicken with all the flavors in the marinade, but no more than 8 hours. At that point, the acid in the lime juice begins to break down the proteins and change the texture of the chicken.
Tips for the Most Flavorful Marinade
- Cut whole breasts or thighs into fajita strips or smaller pieces before marinating. The more the chicken is exposed to the marinade, the more flavorful.
- Prep the marinade ahead, but avoid over-marinating. If you want to save time, mix the marinade a day ahead, but remember that the chicken only needs 20 minutes.
- Fresh lime juice makes a big difference in the flavor and the tenderizing of the protein.
- Don’t skip the oil. It helps the spices and herbs get into the meat. You’ll discard the marinade anyway.
- Use a marinade bag or smaller dish so the marinade covers as much of the chicken as possible.

Variations
- Fresh herbs: chop up some fresh cilantro, lemon thyme, or fresh oregano instead of the dried in the recipe.
- Fresh aromatics: swap the garlic powder for 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated.
- Use orange juice instead of lime. This citrus pairs great with all the spices.
- Make it spicier by adding 1 tablespoon of minced chipotle peppers in adobo, ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes, or by chopping up ½ of a jalapeño.

Check out this post for directions on cooking chicken fajitas.
Quick Chicken Fajita Marinade

Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
For 1.5lbs to 2lbs chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, or thighs
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or in a zip bag, combine the olive oil with lime juice, salt, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the chicken to the marinade bowl or zip bag, toss to coat all the pieces with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap or zip the bag closed and refrigerate it for 20 minutes to marinate.
- Once it's ready, remove the chicken from the bag onto your skillet and cook chicken according to the recipe. Discard the marinade left in the bag.
Notes
- Fresh herbs: chop up some fresh cilantro, lemon thyme, or fresh oregano instead of the dried in the recipe.
- Fresh aromatics: swap the garlic powder for 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated.
- Use orange juice instead of lime. This citrus pairs great with all the spices.
- Make it spicier by adding 1 tablespoon of minced chipotle peppers in adobo, ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes, or by chopping up ½ of a jalapeño.
Carleigh says
This chicken fajita marinade was so good I couldn’t believe I made it! Thank you!
Lucille says
Chicken kabobs are my favorites and this marinade make them even tastier! Amazing. 100% recommended.
Beth says
This marinade was super flavorful!
Tara says
This was a fantastic marinade.
Carla says
Fantastic recipe!
Joanne says
It is really easy and quick, also delicious! My family loved it! Thank you!
April says
Used this marinade on my fajitas last night and it turned out sooo good!!! 10/10!
Jenn says
This marinade made our chicken fajitas so good!
Kaitlyn C. says
Came out really good on our last Taco Tuesday. Now that I know it’s good, I’m definitely gonna try it with steak tacos. Yum!
Kate says
Amazing chicken fajita marinade!! Simple, quick, and delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Katie says
I first saved this recipe almost a year ago and have used it many times since. I have made it for small parties, weekly meals, family gatherings, etc. Everyone is always impressed by it and enjoys it, and I’ve had multiple folks ask for the recipe. It is so easy to make which makes it an extra win. Thanks for creating and sharing this recipe.
Helen says
SO goood and quick! Thanks
Jessica Graham says
Hi! I love this recipe and use it at least once a week…so should have it memorized. When I was making it today, I noticed it was different. Can you please send me the recipe prior to the revision? I thought it was absolutely perfect prior to the changes. Family favorite! Thank you so much
Laura Fuentes says
Hi Jessica,
So glad you enjoyed the recpe that much! The ingredients are the same, we re-wrote the instructions for clarity. We also recently updated the design of our recipe card so it looks different too. Happy Fajita making!
CHARLOTTE says
This was quick and the fajitas turned out perfect!
Melissa says
I’ve never left reviews before-but this was SO good! Kids are it up. It’ll be going in the meal rotation.
Laura Fuentes says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the chicken fajita marinade! Thank you for sharing that you and your family enjoyed it.
Lore says
I have made this recipe mamy times. Can I use the same marinade for steak fajitas?
Laura Fuentes says
You sure can!!
Donna Perry says
This marinade was fabulous! True to the word…it only took 20 minutes!