Trader Joes Chicken Fajitas Recipe

This sizzling, juicy Trader Joes Chicken Fajitas is made with the famous chili lime seasoning, tender chicken breast, and colorful peppers, ready in just 25 minutes. It delivers that smoky, restaurant-quality char you simply cannot get from a microwave bag. I love serving this fresh version for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like I spent hours marinating.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to rely on the frozen Trader Joe’s fajita bag for emergencies, but I always found the texture a bit soft and the flavor slightly muted. By grabbing a few fresh ingredients from the produce aisle and using their iconic Chili Lime Seasoning, you get a result that is miles better than the freezer version or even local takeaway. The secret is searing the chicken in a hot skillet to lock in juices before adding the vegetables, ensuring everything stays crisp-tender rather than soggy.

My first attempt at this copycat recipe used just taco seasoning, but it felt flat and lacked that signature tang. Once I switched to the Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning and added a splash of fresh lime juice at the very end, the flavor popped exactly like the Pollo Asado I love. It’s a small tweak that transforms simple chicken strips into a zesty, vibrant meal that feels intentional, not just convenient.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Chicken Fajitas Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tbsp Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning Blend (or more to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 bag Trader Joe’s Melange à Trois Peppers (frozen) OR 3 fresh bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into strips
• 1 lime, juiced
• 8 flour or corn tortillas, warmed
• Optional Garnishes: Trader Joe’s Chunky Guacamole, sour cream, fresh cilantro

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Fajitas

1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of the Chili Lime Seasoning. Mix well until every piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes while you prep the veggies.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same hot skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and peppers. Sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of seasoning. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken, until the veggies are soft but still have a slight crunch.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to reheat the chicken. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire mixture and stir for 30 seconds to deglaze the pan and brighten the flavors. Serve immediately with warm tortillas.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you add all the chicken at once, it will steam instead of sear. Cooking in two batches ensures you get that delicious golden crust which adds major flavor.
• Use the frozen pepper hack: If you are short on time, the Trader Joe’s Melange à Trois frozen pepper strips work perfectly here. Just add them directly to the hot pan; the water will evaporate quickly, leaving you with tender peppers in half the time.
• Warm your tortillas: Cold tortillas break easily. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or char them directly over a gas flame for 10 seconds per side for authentic texture.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Chicken Fajitas

These fajitas pair perfectly with a side of Mexican-style rice or Trader Joe’s Frozen Roasted Corn. For a lighter option, serve them over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce as a fajita salad bowl. A scoop of corn salsa or a side of black beans simmered with cumin also complements the chili lime flavors beautifully.

How To Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peppers may soften slightly upon reheating, so a quick flash in a hot skillet is better than the microwave. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and veggie mixture for up to 2 months.

FAQs

• Can I use Trader Joe’s Pollo Asado instead?
  Yes! If you buy the pre-marinated Pollo Asado, skip the Chili Lime Seasoning and salt. Just sear the meat, slice it, and cook your veggies separately before combining.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  The filling is naturally gluten-free if you use the specific spices mentioned. Be sure to serve with corn tortillas or certified gluten-free wraps to keep the entire meal safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Is the Trader Joe’s Chili Lime seasoning spicy?
  It has a mild kick but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. It focuses more on the tangy lime and savory saltiness, making it family-friendly for most palates.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 18g
• Protein: 35g