Juicy grilled chicken skewers combined with vibrant bell peppers and onions are infused with bold fajita flavors and served alongside creamy, zesty guacamole. This dish is a festive, flavor-packed option perfect for grilling season or any casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings the essence of fajitas to the grill with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The smoky char of the grilled chicken and vegetables pairs perfectly with the creamy freshness of homemade guacamole. It’s an ideal dish for entertaining, meal prep, or a colorful and healthy dinner that satisfies without being heavy.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Skewers:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Guacamole:
- 3 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped jalapeño or cilantro for extra flavor
directions
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the guacamole by mashing avocados and mixing in red onion, tomato, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and stir in jalapeño or cilantro if desired. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating pieces.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and grill marks appear.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with guacamole and lime wedges.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 57 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Skewers: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
- Citrus Marinade: Use orange juice in place of lime for a slightly sweeter profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle grilled skewers with queso fresco or shredded cheese before serving.
- Grain Bowl Style: Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftover skewers and guacamole separately in airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat skewers, place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Guacamole is best consumed fresh but can be stored for 1 day with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and also work well in this recipe.
How do I keep wooden skewers from burning?
Soak them in water for at least 15 minutes before threading and grilling.
Is the guacamole spicy?
Not by default, but you can add jalapeño or hot sauce for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prep the veggies in advance. Assemble and grill when ready to serve.
What other vegetables can I use?
Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms are great additions or substitutes.
Can I grill these on an indoor grill?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan works well if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Is there a dairy-free dip alternative?
Yes, guacamole is already dairy-free. You could also serve it with a salsa or bean dip.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Thirty minutes is enough, but for more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours.
Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I serve with this dish?
Mexican rice, tortillas, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad pair well.
Conclusion
Grilled chicken fajita skewers with fresh guacamole are a flavorful, colorful, and healthy dish perfect for any summer meal or casual get-together. With simple ingredients and bold spices, this recipe brings classic fajita taste to your grill with ease and flair.
Print
Grilled Chicken Fajita Skewers with Fresh Guacamole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Juicy grilled chicken skewers packed with colorful bell peppers and onions, served with a chunky homemade guacamole—vibrant, smoky, and perfect for any summer fiesta.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 3 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: chopped jalapeño or cilantro for extra flavor
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare guacamole by mashing the avocados and mixing with red onion, tomato, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add optional ingredients if desired. Set aside.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Serve skewers hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, alongside the guacamole.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate chicken longer if time allows.
- Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Guacamole can be made a few hours ahead and kept covered with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 skewer + guacamole)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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