Chicken Fajita Tacos
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
470 kcal
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Cuisine
Mexican, International
Chicken Fajita Tacos
Description
The chicken breasts are patted dry and coated with a homemade fajita seasoning containing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. After searing in olive oil to cook through and develop a seared crust, the chicken rests for five minutes to keep juices locked inside. The same pan is used to sauté sliced onions and bell peppers with remaining seasoning until softened.
The rested chicken is thinly sliced and combined back with the vegetables. Lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro are added to brighten the mixture. The filling is then served in tortillas, which can vary from corn to various flour options, accommodating preferences and dietary needs.
The recipe details variations such as substituting chicken thighs for a juicier texture, increasing heat with jalapeños or hot sauce, and gluten-free tortilla options. It provides storage and reheating tips for leftovers. Allowing the chicken to rest is emphasized as a key step to maintain moistness when sliced and served in tacos.
This dish is suitable as a flavorful taco meal with seasoned chicken and vegetables, using straightforward ingredients and cooking techniques to highlight the fajita flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Tacos:
- 3 medium chicken breast skinless and boneless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 large bell pepper red, yellow, green, thinly sliced
- 1 large lime or more
- ¼ cup cilantro roughly chopped, fresh
- 8 - 10 tortillas corn, almond flour, chickpea flour, flour, or whole wheat
- salsa pico de gallo, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, optional toppings
Fajita Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Fajita Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Evenly coat both sides of the chicken with half of the fajita seasoning using your fingers. Save the remaining seasoning for later.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 7 – 8 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the pan and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes.
- Cook Onions and Peppers: In the same pan, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning over them. Sauté for 4 – 5 minutes until softened, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Slice Chicken: After resting, thinly slice the cooked chicken breasts.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced chicken back into the pan with onions and bell peppers. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and add chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
- Serve: Heat tortillas according to preference. Fill each tortilla with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Serve immediately with optional toppings like salsa, pico de gallo, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
Notes
- Allow cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and prevent dryness.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful fajitas; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Store-bought fajita or taco seasoning can be used; start with about 1.5 tablespoons as a substitute for homemade mix.
- Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to increase spice level if desired.
- Choose gluten-free tortillas like corn, almond, chickpea, or cassava flour for gluten-free tacos.
- Serve filling in lettuce leaves for a low-carb or keto-friendly option.
- Store chicken fajita filling separately from tortillas to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.
- Reheat chicken filling in the microwave for 1-2 minutes; warm tortillas separately with a damp paper towel to retain softness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 470 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 470kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 855mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 1090mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 4308IU | 86% |
| Vitamin C | 168mg | 187% |
| Calcium | 134mg | 13% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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