Traditional Chicken Fajitas

Name: Traditional Chicken Fajitas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, sliced thin; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 lime, juiced; 8 flour tortillas; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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There's something truly satisfying about a sizzling platter of chicken fajitas. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex right to your kitchen, making it perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

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Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Fajitas

Chicken breasts are the star of this dish, providing a lean and protein-rich base. When sliced thin, they cook quickly and evenly. Olive oil is used to coat and marinate the chicken, helping to lock in moisture and flavor. The trio of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow onion adds a colorful, sweet, and slightly smoky contrast to the savory chicken. Garlic brings its unmistakable aroma and depth, while spices like ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika add layers of warmth and complexity. Lime juice provides a zesty finish that brightens the dish. Finally, soft flour tortillas wrap everything together into a perfect handheld meal.

Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken overnight for even more intense flavor.
Use a cast-iron skillet for a better sear and a more authentic texture.
Slice the chicken and vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

These fajitas pair wonderfully with a side of fresh guacamole or a bright, tangy salsa. Consider serving them with a chilled Mexican beer or a light margarita to complement the meal. For a bit of creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of meat?: Absolutely! This recipe works great with beef or shrimp as well.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Just swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas.
What if I don't have lime juice?: Lemon juice can be a good substitute, though it has a slightly different flavor.

Traditional Chicken Fajitas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your marinade in a large bowl: mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the sliced chicken breasts and ensure they're well-coated. Let this mix marinate for at least 30 minutes – this is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

While the chicken is marinating, slice your red and green bell peppers and yellow onion so they're ready to go. Once the chicken is marinated, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's fully cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté these over medium-high heat until they're tender and slightly charred, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This charring adds a delightful smokiness to the vegetables. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mix everything together, and let the flavors meld for an additional 2 minutes.

While your chicken and veggies are coming together, warm your flour tortillas in a separate skillet or give them a quick zap in the microwave. Serve the sizzling chicken and vegetable mix straight from the skillet into those warm tortillas.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Uses fresh, simple ingredients for bold flavors.
Customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.
Great for gatherings where everyone can build their own.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breasts, sliced thin

2 tbsp olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1 lime, juiced

8 flour tortillas

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add sliced chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions. Sauté until vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix with the vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors.