Zesty Chicken Fajitas with Homemade Seasoning
Enjoy the bold flavors of these Zesty Chicken Fajitas, made with a homemade seasoning mix that rivals your favorite restaurant style. This recipe combines tender chicken breast strips, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all cooked to perfection in a savory mix of spices. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, these fajitas are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Serve them in warm flour tortillas, and customize with your favorite toppings for a delicious, satisfying meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
Chili Powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Crushed Chicken Bouillon
3/4 teaspoon (cube crushed)
Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 (cut into thin strips)
Oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Water
1/3 cup (none)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (cut into strips)
Onion
1 medium (sliced)
Flour Tortillas
5 (medium size)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch, chili powder, salt, paprika, sugar, crushed chicken bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin to create the fajita seasoning.
2
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until they begin to brown and are nearly cooked through.
3
Add the homemade fajita seasoning mix and water to the skillet, stirring well to coat the chicken. Incorporate the sliced green bell pepper and onion.
4
Continue to cook on medium heat for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
5
While the chicken and vegetables are finishing, place the tortillas on a microwavable plate and cover them with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1 minute to warm them.
6
Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each warmed tortilla and top with your favorite salsa and toppings. Roll them up and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Chicken Fajitas?
Zesty Chicken Fajitas are a bold-flavored dish featuring tender chicken breast strips, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all tossed in a zesty homemade spice blend.
How long does it take to make these chicken fajitas?
This recipe is quick and efficient, taking under 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
What ingredients are in the homemade fajita seasoning?
The seasoning consists of cornstarch, chili powder, salt, paprika, sugar, crushed chicken bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin.
How do I prepare the chicken for the fajitas?
You should use four boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into thin strips before cooking.
Can I use other types of meat besides chicken?
While this recipe specifies chicken, you can easily substitute it with beef strips or shrimp, though cooking times may vary.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one green bell pepper cut into strips and one medium onion, sliced.
How do I cook the chicken and vegetables?
First, brown the chicken in oil. Then add the seasoning, water, pepper, and onion, and cook until the chicken is done and vegetables are tender.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the seasoning?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping the water and spices create a savory sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
How do I warm the flour tortillas?
Place the tortillas on a microwavable plate, cover them with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 1 minute.
What toppings go well with these fajitas?
They are delicious with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Is this chicken fajita recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from the chili powder and cayenne pepper; you can adjust the cayenne to suit your preference.
Can I use store-bought seasoning instead of making my own?
Yes, you can, but the homemade seasoning blend is specifically designed to provide the 'zesty' profile that defines this recipe.
How many tortillas does this recipe use?
This recipe is portioned for 5 medium-sized flour tortillas.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour tortillas. To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas and ensure your chicken bouillon and cornstarch are certified gluten-free.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
Absolutely. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers work perfectly and add more color to the dish.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the cooked fajita mixture?
Yes, the cooked mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop.
What kind of oil is best for cooking the chicken?
A high-smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil is recommended for sautéing the chicken at medium-high heat.
Can I make the seasoning in bulk?
Yes, you can mix a large batch of the dry ingredients and store it in an airtight jar to use whenever you want quick fajitas.
What are some good side dishes for fajitas?
Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a simple green salad are excellent side options.
How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
Cook the chicken just until it is no longer pink. Adding the water and vegetables helps maintain moisture during the final simmering process.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas are a great alternative and provide a more traditional texture and flavor.
What if I don't have chicken bouillon?
You can substitute the water and bouillon with 1/3 cup of chicken broth, or simply omit it and add a pinch more salt.
How should I slice the onion?
Slice the onion into medium-thin strips to ensure they cook at the same rate as the bell peppers.
Is there sugar in the fajita seasoning?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is included to help balance the savory spices and assist with the caramelization of the vegetables.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While this is a quick stovetop recipe, you could cook it in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, though the vegetables may be much softer.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I add extra vegetables like mushrooms?
Yes, you can easily add mushrooms, zucchini, or poblano peppers to the skillet along with the bell peppers.
What size skillet should I use?
A large 12-inch nonstick skillet is ideal to prevent overcrowding and ensure even browning of the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the fajita filling holds up well and can be portioned into containers with rice or beans for weekday lunches.