The Best Chicken Fajitas | getcakerecipes (2024)

Hey there, folks! Ready to embark on a culinary journey through the world of Tex-Mex cuisine? Well, you’re in for a treat because we’re diving into the delectable world of sizzling chicken fajitas. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken strips, sautéed onions, and vibrant bell peppers all coming together to create a mouthwatering Tex-Mex delight. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Unveiling the History of Fajitas

Before we embark on our cooking adventure, let’s take a step back in time. The word “fajita” may not have appeared in print until the 1970s, but this scrumptious dish has deep roots in Texan history. It’s believed that Mexican vaqueros working in Texas were the first to whip up fajitas, using grilled skirt steak. However, it wasn’t until 1969 that fajitas exploded in popularity.

In that same year, Sonny Falcon, a meat manager from Austin, introduced fajitas at his concession stand in Kyle, Texas. The Tex-Mex fever continued when Otilia Garza featured fajitas on the menu of his Round-Up Restaurant in Pharr, Texas. These sizzling platters of goodness were served with flour tortillas, cheese, and a variety of condiments. As fajitas gained traction, different versions emerged, featuring chicken, shrimp, and even veggies.

Prepping for Fajita Magic

Before we dive into the cooking part, here are some handy tips to streamline your fajita-making process:

1. Spice Mix Prep

You can save time by prepping your spice mix in advance. Combine the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Mix them up and store this spice mix in a sealed container in a cool, dark place. It’ll stay fresh for several months.

2. Veggie and Chicken Prep

To make your weeknight meal smoother, you can slice the bell peppers and onions the day before. Store them in a covered container in the fridge. You can also slice the chicken and keep it in the fridge until it’s time to cook.

Tacos vs. Fajitas: What’s the Difference?

Now, before we jump into the recipe, let’s clarify something important. Tacos and fajitas are like cousins in the Tex-Mex family, but they have their own unique identities. In a taco, the tortilla is filled with meat or other proteins along with toppings. Fajitas, on the other hand, focus on the meat (originally skirt steak), and the tortillas and garnishes are served on the side. Got it? Great!

What to Serve With Chicken Fajitas

Alright, let’s talk about the delectable accompaniments for your chicken fajitas:

• For garnishes, you can’t go wrong with diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, guacamole or sliced avocado, sour cream, pickled red onions, or sliced green onions.
• As for side dishes, consider serving your fajitas with rice, refried beans, or a crisp tossed salad. They also pair beautifully with coleslaw or seasoned black beans. And if you’re watching your gluten intake or simply prefer corn tortillas, go ahead and use those as your fajita wraps.
• Looking to make it a complete meal? Pair your fajitas with cooked rice and refried beans on the side. But if you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh green salad is always a good call.

The Fajita Seasoning Mix

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—the Fajita Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

The Fajita Recipe and Assembly

Ready to get cooking? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 medium bell peppers (multi-colored), sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 6 to 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas, warmed
• Optional garnishes: Guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa, cilantro, or lime wedges

Steps to Make It

1. Gather up all the ingredients. It’s time to bring them together in a Tex-Mex symphony!
2. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This spice blend will soon infuse your chicken with flavor.
3. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, going against the grain. Now, generously coat these strips with your flavorful seasoning mixture.
4. Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the seasoned chicken to the sizzling skillet. Saute it until it’s cooked through and looks beautifully opaque, which should take around 5 minutes.
6. Set the chicken aside on a plate for a moment. Now, add the sliced onions and pepper strips to the skillet. Give them a good stir and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Bring the chicken strips back into the skillet, toss everything together, and heat through.
8. Drizzle the fajitas with a touch of lime juice. Serve them up with those warm tortillas and your choice of garnishes.

Recipe Variations

Feeling a bit adventurous? Here are some tantalizing variations to try:

• Beefy Fajitas: Swap the chicken for 1 1/2 pounds of sirloin or skirt steak. Slice it into 1/4-inch strips and toss them with the seasoning. Follow the recipe, cooking the beef strips for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they’re done to your liking.
• Seafood Fajitas: Craving some ocean flavors? Toss one pound of large shrimp with the seasoning. Follow the recipe, cooking the shrimp for about 4 minutes until they’re opaque and blushing pink.
• Veggie Delight: For our vegetarian friends, replace the chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms and add black beans or pinto beans just before serving. Heat through, drizzle with lime juice and serve these delightful veggie fajitas in warm tortillas.
• Quick and Easy: Don’t have all the individual seasonings on hand? No worries. Season the chicken with about 2 1/2 tablespoons of ready-made fajita seasoning. Just keep in mind that many ready-made mixes already contain salt, so adjust your additional salt accordingly.

Storing Your Fajitas

So, what if you end up with leftovers? Not to worry:

• If you have some fajitas left, transfer the cooled filling to a covered container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to four days.
• Looking for longer storage? Freeze your fajita filling. Place it in an airtight freezer container or a zip-close freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to dig into your frozen treasure, simply reheat the defrosted fajitas in a lightly oiled skillet on the stovetop until they’re piping hot.

There you have it, my friends—your guide to whipping up sensational chicken fajitas in the comfort of your own kitchen. Now, go ahead, roll up those sleeves, and savor the Tex-Mex flavors that have been delighting taste buds for decades. Happy cooking!

I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free tolet me know!