Citrus Herb Chicken Fajitas

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking for a fresh twist on a classic dish? These Citrus Herb Chicken Fajitas are a zesty, colorful feast that's perfect for any night of the week. With vibrant citrus flavors and a hint of smoky paprika, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Citrus Herb Chicken Fajitas

Chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, making this dish healthy and satisfying. The olive oil helps in marinating and cooking, adding richness without overpowering the dish. The combination of orange, lemon, and lime juices brings a refreshing, tangy flavor, while the zest adds a punch of citrus aroma. Garlic infuses the marinade with a delicious depth, and fresh parsley and cilantro contribute a burst of herbaceous flavor. Smoked paprika offers a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the citrus notes. Don’t forget the salt and black pepper for essential seasoning.

The red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and a nice crunch, while the red onion provides a bit of tangy bite. Flour tortillas are the perfect vehicle to hold all the delicious fillings together. Fresh spinach leaves add a touch of green and nutrition, and the crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy, salty finish to each bite.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
  • To save time, prepare the marinade the night before and let the chicken marinate overnight.
  • For extra flavor, char the tortillas slightly over an open flame for a smoky taste.

Serving Suggestions

These fajitas pair wonderfully with a side of black beans or a simple corn salad. A cold glass of iced tea or a citrusy margarita would complement the flavors beautifully. You might also offer a side of guacamole or salsa for extra zing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work well, just adjust the cooking time so they’re fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Cooked chicken and veggies can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika, but you might miss out on the slight smokiness.

Citrus Herb Chicken Fajitas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, parsley, cilantro, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This will be your marinade, and it’s what gives the chicken its vibrant flavor. Once mixed, add the chicken breasts, making sure they're completely coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and soak into the chicken.

When you're ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the hot skillet. You'll want to cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it's no longer pink in the middle. Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest. This resting period helps keep the chicken juicy.

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they’re just tender but still with a bit of crunch. While the veggies are cooking, slice the chicken into thin strips. Then, return the chicken to the skillet and mix everything together so the flavors blend beautifully.

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave so they're soft and pliable. To assemble, layer some fresh spinach leaves on each tortilla, add a generous amount of the chicken and vegetable mixture, and sprinkle on some crumbled feta cheese. Serve them right away to enjoy the full burst of flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing citrus flavors that awaken your taste buds.
  • Quick and easy — ready in under an hour.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Healthy and balanced with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large orange, juiced and zested
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 lime, juiced and zested
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
8 small flour tortillas
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, parsley, cilantro, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove and let rest.
4. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and return to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to combine.
6. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
7. Assemble the fajitas by placing a layer of spinach leaves on each tortilla, followed by the chicken and vegetable mixture, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Citrus Herb Chicken Fajitas.

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