Chicken Fajitas

Irresistible Mexican Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Hello! We are going to prepare some chicken fajitas that will become a classic in your kitchen. The essence of this dish lies in the perfect balance between the citrus marinade, the tenderness of the meat, and the crunchy touch of the vegetables. It's a vibrant recipe, full of color and, above all, designed to share and enjoy without complications.

Preparation time

Organization is the key to success in the kitchen. Here's the time breakdown to make everything perfect:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes
• Marinade: 30 minutes
• Total: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

To achieve that authentic flavor of the Mexican food, we will use fresh ingredients and a combination of spices that will make all the difference. Don't skip the sugar or cinnamon, they are the secret to this version.

For the chicken and vegetables

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 or 4 medium units)
• Large onions (white, although red or yellow also work) (2 units)
• Bell peppers of various colors (green, red, yellow, or orange) (3 units)
• Vegetable oil (for frying) (3 tablespoons)

For the special marinade

• Limes (we will need both the juice and the zest) (2 units)
• Granulated sugar (2 teaspoons)
• Dried oregano (preferably Mexican if you have it) (2 teaspoons)
• Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, adjustable to taste)
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)

To accompany (Optional)

• Hot flour or corn tortillas
• Guacamole or avocado slices
• Red salsa or molcajete sauce
• Sour cream or Mexican cream
• Pico de gallo
• Extra lime wedges

If you can't find Mexican cream, you can substitute it with crème fraîche or regular sour cream; both provide that necessary lactic acidity to balance the spice. In case you don't have fresh limes, green lemon is the ideal substitute, although the flavor will vary slightly.

Utensils we will use

You don't need professional equipment to achieve a restaurant-quality result; these kitchen basics will suffice:

• Large frying pan (preferably cast iron for better heat) or wok
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef's knife
• Large bowl or marinating bowl
• Small grater (for lime zest)
• Citrus juicer
• Kitchen tongs or wooden spatula

Preparation of Chicken Fajitas

Follow this step-by-step guide so that each ingredient maintains its texture and flavor. The order is important to avoid overcooking the vegetables.

1. Preparation and cutting of the chicken

   Start by cutting the chicken breasts into chicken strips approximately 2 centimeters wide (3/4 inch). It is important that the strips have a uniform thickness so that they cook at the same time. Place all the strips inside a large bowl.

2. Preparation of the marinade

   Over the chicken in the bowl, add the zest and juice of the two limes, granulated sugar, oregano, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and salt. The cinnamon provides a unique warm tone that contrasts with the citrus.

3. Marinating time

   Mix everything very well with your hands or a spoon to ensure that each strip of meat is coated. Let the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes. This time is vital for the meat fibers to soften and absorb the flavors.

4. Cutting vegetables (Mise en place)

   While the chicken rests, prepare the vegetables. Peel the onions, cut them in half and then into thin slices (feathered). Wash the peppers, remove the seeds and internal white ribs, and cut them into 1-centimeter wide strips.

5. Cooking the protein

   Heat the vegetable oil in your large or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the marinated chicken strips. Sauté, stirring constantly, for 5 or 6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and almost cooked through on the inside.

6. Incorporation of vegetables

   Without removing the chicken, add the pepper strips and onion to the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring everything together for 3 or 4 more minutes. We want the vegetables to soften slightly but retain a crisp and juicy texture; we don't want them to fall apart.

To finish and serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are just right, remove the skillet from the heat immediately to prevent them from drying out. Adjust salt if necessary. Serve the mixture very hot, ideally in the same skillet or on a preheated platter in the center of the table. Serve with a basket of tortillas hot, covered with a clean cloth, and arrange around the bowls with guacamole, sour cream, pineapple pico de gallo (if you want a tropical touch) and lime wedges so that each diner can assemble their own taco to their liking.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimate of the nutritional values for each serving of these fajitas:

• Calories: 411 kcal
• Proteins: 30 g
• Fats: 13 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Note: Daily percentage values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. Values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.

5 keys to make it perfect

After years of cooking, I've noticed that the small details are what transform a good dish into a spectacular one. Here I share my secrets for this dish:

1. The cut matters

Try to make sure all chicken and vegetable strips are a similar size. This is not just aesthetics; it ensures even cooking. If you have very thick pieces and very thin ones, some will be dry and others raw.

2. Don't omit the sugar

It may seem strange to add sugar to a savory dish, but in this marinade, it is functional. Sugar helps to quickly caramelize the outside of the chicken when it hits the hot pan, creating that delicious golden layer, in addition to balancing the intense acidity of the lime.

3. The pan temperature

To achieve that effect grill or roasted without an outdoor grill, the pan must be very hot before the meat touches the surface. If the pan is cold, the chicken will release its juices and boil instead of searing.

4. Don't overcrowd the pan

If your pan is not very large, it is preferable to cook the chicken in two batches. If you pile too much food, the oil temperature drops drastically and, again, you end up steaming instead of frying. We want color and flavor.

5. The touch of cinnamon

Cinnamon is the secret ingredient in this specific recipe. It provides an aromatic base that, combined with cumin (if you decide to add it) or cayenne, gives a depth reminiscent of traditional village kitchens. It's subtle, but it makes your guests wonder what that delicious flavor is.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

Fajitas are the quintessential dish for informal gatherings. They are perfect for a Friday night dinner with friends or family, where the atmosphere is relaxed and interaction is sought. Served «buffet style» at the table, they encourage conversation and sharing, as everyone passes the tortillas or the sauce. They are also an excellent option to use up leftover vegetables from the fridge for a weekend lunch.

Comparison table

Sometimes we can confuse fajitas with other similar dishes from Tex-Mex or Mexican cuisine. Here I help you differentiate them:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. I'd love to know how these fajitas turned out for you. Did you dare to make them spicier or try a different side dish? Leave your comment and share your own tricks so we can all learn new ways to enjoy this dish!

Culinary glossary

Sometimes we use cooking terms that we take for granted, but it's useful to review them for safe cooking:

• Mise en place: It's the prior preparation of all ingredients (washing, cutting, measuring) before turning on the heat. It helps prevent anything from burning while you look for spices.
• Julienne/Strips: Cutting vegetables or meat into long, thin sticks. In this recipe, it's the standard cut for peppers and onion.
• Marinate: A technique of soaking a food (usually meat) in an aromatic liquid before cooking it to add flavor and soften its texture.
• Sear: Cooking meat over high heat briefly to brown the surface, creating flavor and improving the exterior texture without fully cooking it through at first.
• Al dente: A term that, although usually used for pasta, here we apply to vegetables: cooked but still firm to the bite, maintaining some resistance and freshness.

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Fajitas: step-by-step recipe with golden marks and a smoky touch. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spice and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: fajitas, chicken, Mexican, salads, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 250 kcal

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT10M

Total Time: PT25M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 ½ kilos of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), julienned
• 2 white onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Warmed flour or corn tortillas for serving

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 15 minutes

Marinating: :

Marinating: 30 minutes (optional, can be left overnight)

Cooking: :

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: :

Total: approximately 55 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 4-6 units

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Moderate

Marinate the chicken: :

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Incorporate the chicken strips, making sure to coat them well with the mixture. Let rest for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor.

Cook the vegetables: :

Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet or griddle, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onions and peppers, cooking over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until lightly caramelized and tender. Set aside on a plate.

Cook the chicken: :

Cook the chicken: In the same pan, add the rest of the oil and the chicken strips. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and with a nice golden color. It is important not to overcook to maintain juiciness.

Combine and serve: :

Combine and serve: Return the vegetables to the pan with the chicken to combine them. Serve in warm tortillas accompanied by guacamole, salsa, and a fresh lemon slice. You can also add shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro to complete the experience.

Control the cooking: :

Control the cooking: Do not overcook the chicken to prevent it from drying out. Quick cooking over medium-high heat helps maintain juiciness.

Marinate in advance: :

Marinate with time: The key is to leave the chicken in contact with the spices and citrus, at least 30 minutes, so that it absorbs intense flavors.

Use quality ingredients::

Use quality ingredients: The freshness of the peppers, onions, and chicken will make a difference in the final result.

Editor's Rating:
4.3