Chicken Fajitas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
226 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Chicken Fajitas
Description
Chicken Fajitas begin with preparing a marinade blending olive oil, lime juice, sugar, salt, cumin, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, and water. The sliced chicken and vegetables are combined with this mixture and refrigerated for at least an hour to develop flavor. The marinated ingredients are then sautéed in olive oil over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
The flavor profile is balanced between smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy notes from the seasoning mixture. The texture contrasts the juicy, tender chicken with crisp onions and peppers. This dish is traditionally assembled by spooning the cooked chicken and peppers into warm tortillas, accompanied by garnishes such as guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and salsa for customization.
Alternative cooking methods include grilling or broiling, which impart additional char and depth to the fajitas. Serving immediately after cooking preserves optimal texture and flavor. The recipe allows flexibility in pepper colors and toppings to match preferences.
This recipe highlights fresh marination and quick, attentive cooking to keep the chicken moist and vegetables vibrant. Season to taste after cooking if desired, and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast sliced, boneless skinless
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin ground
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
For the fajitas
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 bell pepper thinly sliced, can use red, orange, yellow or a combination of colors
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- tortilla for serving
- guacamole
- sour cream
- cheese
- salsa
Instructions
For the chicken
- Place the 1/4 cup olive oil, lime juice, sugar, salt, cumin, garlic, water, smoked paprika, onion powder and chili powder in a gallon sized resealable bag or large bowl.
- Whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Add the chicken, onions and peppers to the marinade. Chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.
For the fajitas
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and pepper mixture. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt to taste if desired.
- Sprinkle cilantro over the fajitas, then serve with tortillas and toppings of your choice.
Notes
- For grilled fajitas, cook chicken and vegetables on medium heat with a grilling basket for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Broiling is another option: place ingredients on a sheet pan, coat with cooking spray, broil 8-10 minutes, stirring once.
- Marinate the chicken and vegetables at least one hour to let flavors develop but no more than eight hours to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 226 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 226kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 68mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 582mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 605mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2700IU | 54% |
| Vitamin C | 81.7mg | 91% |
| Calcium | 43mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.6mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.