Prepare the Spice Blend & Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chilli powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. In a larger bowl, place your sliced chicken. Add the spice blend, olive oil, lime juice, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.

Prep the Vegetables: While the chicken is marinating, slice your onion and peppers. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly.

Heat Your Pan: Place a large, heavy-based frying pan or cast-iron skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it get properly hot – you should see it shimmer slightly.

Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. You want to hear a loud sizzle. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving it to get a good sear, then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. I find this initial sear is crucial for building flavour.

Remove the Chicken: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. This prevents it from overcooking while the vegetables are on.

Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and peppers to the same pan. There should be enough oil and chicken juices left. If not, add a small splash more oil. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened but still have a bit of a bite and some charred edges.

Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken through again and allow the flavours to meld. Squeeze over the juice of half a lime for a final burst of freshness.

Warm the Tortillas: While the mixture is heating, warm your tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a warm oven (150°C/130°C fan) for 10 minutes, or by heating them one by one in a dry frying pan for about 20 seconds per side.

Serve Immediately: Bring the sizzling pan of chicken and vegetables to the table along with the warm tortillas and bowls of your chosen toppings. Let everyone build their own perfect fajita.