Chicken Fajitas
Cuisine: American Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Chicken
1 pound (454)
Bell Peppers
2 large (340)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Lime
1 medium (67)
Garlic
3 cloves (9)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (2)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (2)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (2)
Tortillas
8 medium (320)
Sour Cream
1 cup (240)
Guacamole
1 cup (240)
Salsa
1 cup (240)
Totals
73 oz
(2,062 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Chicken Breast
165
Bell Peppers
30
Onion
40
Lime Juice
10
Olive Oil
120
Garlic
4
Cumin
22
Chili Powder
8
Paprika
6
Salt
0
Black Pepper
2
Tortillas
150
Sour Cream
50
Guacamole
120
Cheddar Cheese
110
Salsa
10
Totals
847 kcal
Steps
1. Begin by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the marinade. Toss well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice bell peppers and onions. Set aside.
4. Heat a large skillet or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of oil and then add the marinated chicken strips. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté them until they are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
7. Warm the tortillas by placing them directly on a stovetop burner over low heat for a few seconds on each side, or wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
8. Serve the chicken fajita mixture on warm tortillas. Add your desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
9. Roll up the tortillas tightly and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken fajitas.
Substitutions
- Chicken breast substitute: tofu (1 cup), shrimp (1 cup), or beef (1 cup)
- Bell pepper substitute: zucchini (1 cup), eggplant (1 cup), or mushrooms (1 cup)
- Onion substitute: shallots (1/2 cup) or leeks (1/2 cup)
- Garlic substitute: garlic powder (1 teaspoon) or onion powder (1 teaspoon)
- Lime juice substitute: lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
- Olive oil substitute: vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) or coconut oil (1 tablespoon)
- Chili powder substitute: paprika (1 teaspoon), cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon), or red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon)
- Cumin substitute: coriander (1 teaspoon) or taco seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- Salt substitute: garlic salt (1/2 teaspoon) or seasoned salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Tortilla substitute: lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option
Note: Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the substitute ingredient chosen.
Pairings
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Salsa and pico de gallo
- Sour cream and Mexican rice
- Refried beans and cornbread
- Grilled vegetables and cilantro lime rice
- Queso dip and jalapeno poppers
- Margaritas and Mexican beer
- Agua fresca (fruit-infused water) and horchata
- Churros and flan for dessert
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Use a colorful array of bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) to add vibrancy to the dish.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or microgreens for a pop of green.
- Serve the fajitas on a heated cast-iron skillet for an impressive sizzling effect at the table.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder for at least an hour before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Add a touch of honey or brown sugar to the marinade for a subtle sweetness.
- Char-grill the chicken for a smoky flavor and slightly crispy texture.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, organic chicken breasts or tenderloins for a superior taste and tenderness.
- Replace regular tortillas with homemade corn tortillas or gourmet flour tortillas for a more authentic experience.
- Add a touch of truffle oil to the sautéed vegetables for a luxurious earthy aroma.
Remember, these enhancements are meant to elevate your chicken fajitas and create a next-level dining experience. Enjoy!
Diet Restrictions
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat or skin-on chicken to reduce saturated fat content.
- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.
- Increase the amount of vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes) to boost fiber and micronutrient intake.
- Limit or omit the use of high-fat toppings like sour cream, cheese, and guacamole to reduce calorie and saturated fat intake.
- Use healthier cooking methods like grilling or baking the chicken instead of frying it to reduce added fats.
- Reduce the amount of added salt by using herbs, spices, and lime juice for flavoring instead.
- Offer a variety of toppings like fresh salsa, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for added flavor without extra calories.
- For those with gluten intolerance, opt for gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps as a substitute.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, offer dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew cheese as toppings.
- If catering to a vegetarian or vegan diet, replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Healthy Choices
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat or chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the ratio of vegetables to chicken for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of refined flour tortillas for higher fiber content.
- Use a minimal amount of healthy oils like olive oil for sautéing instead of butter or lard.
- Season with herbs and spices instead of high-sodium seasoning packets to reduce sodium intake.
- Add a variety of colorful peppers, onions, and tomatoes to boost antioxidant content.
- Consider grilling or baking the chicken instead of pan-frying to reduce added fats.
- Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole instead of sour cream for healthier fats and added nutrients.
- Limit the amount of cheese used or opt for reduced-fat versions to reduce saturated fat and calorie intake.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime juice for added flavor without extra calories.
Shortcuts
1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They are cheaper and cook faster while maintaining a juicy texture.
2. Opt for pre-sliced bell peppers and onions available at the grocery store to save time on chopping.
3. Marinate the chicken in a pre-made fajita seasoning mix to eliminate the need for individual spice measurements.
4. Cook the chicken and vegetables together in a large skillet or sheet pan instead of grilling them separately to save time and minimize clean-up.
5. Use store-bought tortillas instead of making them from scratch to save preparation time.
6. Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a more affordable and healthier alternative without compromising taste.
7. Consider using a combination of vegetable oil and butter to sauté the chicken and vegetables. Butter adds flavor while oil prevents it from burning.
8. Serve the fajitas with simple toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, and lime wedges instead of more elaborate garnishes to save on costs.
9. Make a larger batch of fajitas and store leftovers for future meals, reducing the need for additional cooking and saving time.
10. Utilize a slow cooker or pressure cooker to prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, allowing you to assemble the fajitas quickly when needed.