Best Chicken fajitas recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With sizzling hot strips of chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and warm tortillas, chicken fajitas make for a satisfying and healthy dinner option.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – it requires only a few key ingredients, yet packs a punch in terms of flavor and texture. In this article, we’ll share with you the best chicken fajitas recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your apron, fire up your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
Are chicken fajitas healthy?
Chicken fajitas can be a healthy meal option depending on how they are prepared. Grilled or baked chicken, paired with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions, can provide a good balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
However, the addition of high-fat ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole can add excess calories and fat to the dish. The use of large flour tortillas can also add unnecessary carbohydrates and calories.
To make chicken fajitas healthier, it’s best to use lean cuts of chicken, load up on the vegetables, and use small whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of large flour tortillas. Skipping or using smaller amounts of high-fat toppings can also help reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish.
Are chicken fajitas good for you?
Chicken fajitas can be a healthy meal option if they are prepared with nutritious ingredients and served in appropriate portion sizes.
Grilled or baked chicken provides a good source of lean protein, while sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions can provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Using whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of large flour tortillas can add complex carbohydrates and fiber to the dish.
However, it’s important to be mindful of high-fat ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, as they can add excess calories and fat to the dish. Portion control is also important, as fajitas can be a calorie-dense meal.
Can you freeze chicken fajitas?
Yes, you can freeze chicken fajitas. In fact, they can be a great meal prep option for busy weeknights. To freeze chicken fajitas, simply cook and assemble them as you normally would, then let them cool completely.
Wrap the fajitas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. Label the container with the date and contents, then freeze it for up to 2–3 months.
Can you reheat chicken fajitas?
Yes, you can reheat chicken fajitas. In fact, they are a great leftover meal option. To reheat chicken fajitas, you can use a skillet, oven, or microwave. If using a skillet, simply heat it over medium-high heat and add the fajitas. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), wrap the fajitas in aluminum foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
If using a microwave, place the fajitas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
It’s important to note that when reheating chicken fajitas, the vegetables may become a little softer and the tortillas may become slightly less crispy. However, they will still be tasty and satisfying.
Best Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into very thin strips
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Fajita seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅓ teaspoon chili
- ¼ teaspoon of ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
For Fajitas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red pepper cut into thin strips
- 1 green pepper cut into thin strips
- 1 yellow pepper cut into thin strips
- 1 large onion cut into thin strips
For Serving
- Sour cream, lime juice, cheese, salsa, tortillas
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips 1 to 1.5 inches long.
- In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil and minced garlic, add the chicken and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine the spices and stir to combine.
- Add the fajita seasoning to the chicken and turn to coat.
- Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. Make sure you take the chicken out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before cooking, so it's not too cold while cooking.
Cook Fajitas
- Drain the excess liquid from the marinated chicken.
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large cast iron pan until shimmering.
- Add the chicken, onion, and garlic and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned.
- Add peppers and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Cook on high heat until the chickens turn out golden brown, about 3–5 minutes. If necessary, add more olive oil to brown the fajitas.
- Remove from the heat and serve with the servings you desired.
Notes
- Chicken breast: Try to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed or bottled, both work well!
- Olive oil: Avocado oil is a great substitute for olive oil.
- Crushed garlic: I use canned, but freshly minced garlic is also great.
- Spices: (cumin, paprika, chili, and coriander). I included our favorite fajita seasoning mix. You can customize it to your taste as you see fit.
- Bell peppers: I like to use different colors for presentation, you can use your favorite (red, orange, yellow, red).
- Onion: Use sweet yellow or white onions or red onions.
Calories in Chicken Fajitas
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
| Calories | 250.7 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 15.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 77.6 mg |
| Sodium | 893.8 mg |
| Potassium | 694.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g |
| Sugars | 1.9 g |
| Protein | 33.4 g |
| Vitamin A | 9.9 % |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B-12 | 9.5 % |
| Vitamin B-6 | 43.3 % |
| Vitamin C | 113.3 % |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 % |
| Vitamin E | 9.6 % |
| Calcium | 9.4 % |
| Copper | 20.1 % |