Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Introduction

Grilled Chicken Fajitas are a flavorful, zesty, and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish that has become a favorite in many households. Packed with tender marinated grilled chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions, this dish offers the perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a weekend get-together, or a special occasion, Grilled Chicken Fajitas are sure to be a hit.

This recipe allows you to create restaurant-quality fajitas at home. You can serve the grilled chicken and veggies in warm flour tortillas, along with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. This versatile dish can be customized to suit your taste, allowing you to adjust the level of spice and add your favorite extras.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken Fajitas

• Bold Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors from garlic, lime, and spices, while the grilled vegetables add a smoky, charred taste.
• Quick and Easy: While the marinating time takes a bit of patience, the actual cooking process is quick and simple. You’ll have a flavorful dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Grilled Chicken Fajitas are incredibly versatile. You can swap in different proteins like beef, shrimp, or even tofu. Adjust the toppings and vegetables to suit your preferences.
• Healthy: This dish is packed with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the veggies. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a balanced, low-calorie meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: The grilled chicken and veggies can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. This makes it a great option for meal prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes (not including marination time)
• Marination Time: 20-30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on portion sizes and toppings)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Serving:

• 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if preferred)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Guacamole (optional)
• Salsa (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Special Equipment

To prepare this dish, you will need:

1. Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or grill pan is essential for achieving that smoky, charred flavor in the chicken and vegetables. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan or even a regular skillet.
2. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is important for slicing the chicken and vegetables thinly and evenly, allowing them to cook quickly and evenly.
3. Cutting Board: A large cutting board is needed to prepare the vegetables and chicken.
4. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a bowl to marinate the chicken and another to toss the sliced vegetables in olive oil and seasoning.
5. Tongs: Tongs are useful for flipping the chicken and vegetables on the grill or in the pan.
6. Serving Tray or Platter: A platter or large serving tray will make it easy to serve the fajitas to the table family-style.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and coriander. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes, but longer marination will yield more flavor.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the red, green, and yellow bell peppers into thin strips. Slice the red onion thinly as well. Place all the vegetables into a separate bowl.

Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.

3. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly brush it with a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken

Once the grill is ready, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked. The chicken should be golden and slightly charred on the outside.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This helps the chicken retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful.

5. Grill the Vegetables

While the chicken is resting, place the seasoned bell peppers and onions onto the grill or grill pan. Grill the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, tossing them occasionally with tongs, until they are tender and lightly charred. The goal is to soften the vegetables while still keeping them slightly crisp.

Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the grill and set them aside.

6. Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken and vegetables are grilling, warm the flour tortillas. You can do this by placing them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side, or you can warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel.

7. Assemble the Fajitas

To assemble the fajitas, place a warm tortilla on a plate. Add a few strips of grilled chicken, followed by a generous amount of grilled peppers and onions. Top with your desired toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

Serve the fajitas with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once your fajitas are assembled, serve them immediately while the chicken and veggies are still warm. Enjoy the fresh, smoky flavors of the grilled chicken and vegetables wrapped in soft tortillas. Pair your fajitas with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Fajitas

• Marinate the Chicken: For the most flavorful chicken, allow it to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for several hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Grill the Vegetables to Perfection: Grill the vegetables just long enough to get that smoky flavor and tender texture without overcooking them. You want them to retain a bit of crunch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: If you’re grilling for a crowd, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches. Overcrowding the grill can cause uneven cooking.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to your taste. You can add shredded cheese, salsa verde, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a sweet touch.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a larger crowd, simply double the recipe. You can store any leftover grilled chicken and vegetables in the fridge for later use in tacos, wraps, or salads.

Variations of Grilled Chicken Fajitas

• Grilled Beef Fajitas: Substitute the chicken for flank steak or skirt steak for a traditional beef fajita option. Marinate the beef the same way and grill it to your desired level of doneness.
• Shrimp Fajitas: For a seafood twist, replace the chicken with shrimp. Marinate the shrimp for a shorter time (about 10-15 minutes) and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Vegetarian Fajitas: Skip the chicken and opt for grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn. Add black beans or tofu for extra protein.
• Spicy Fajitas: If you like things spicy, add some sliced jalapeños to the vegetables or marinate the chicken with a bit of hot sauce or chipotle powder.
• Fajita Bowls: For a low-carb option, serve the grilled chicken and vegetables over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas for a fajita bowl.

Storage and Shelf Life

Grilled Chicken Fajitas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortillas are best when fresh, so it’s recommended to store them separately.

Reheat the chicken and vegetables in the microwave or on the stovetop. When reheating, be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Grilled Chicken Fajitas

To complete your meal, serve your Grilled Chicken Fajitas with one or more of the following side dishes:

• Mexican Rice: A fluffy, flavorful rice dish seasoned with cumin and lime pairs perfectly with fajitas.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans make a great side dish and complement the savory chicken and veggies.
• Guacamole and Chips: Serve a bowl of homemade guacamole with crispy tortilla chips as an appetizer or side dish.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky grilled corn makes a great side dish for fajitas.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh, zesty pico de gallo made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime can be served as a refreshing topping or side.

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Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Fajitas are a delicious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of Mexico right to your table. With tender marinated chicken, smoky grilled vegetables, and warm tortillas, this meal is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a weeknight dinner, Grilled Chicken Fajitas are always a hit. Customize the toppings to suit your taste, and enjoy this vibrant, healthy meal anytime you want to indulge in bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Enjoy!