Chicken Fajita Tacos Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This easy-to-make Chicken Fajitas recipe combines marinated chicken with colorful vegetables, wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with avocado, sour cream, and cotija cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for any day of the week!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons mild taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1/2 onion, cut into strips
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 8 (6 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 avocado, pitted and sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a large resealable bag, combine the orange juice, taco seasoning, and vegetable oil.
2. Add the chicken strips to the bag, ensuring they are coated with the marinade. Seal the bag, squeeze out any excess air, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the chicken starts to brown, add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
5. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
6. To assemble the fajitas, place a few spoonfuls of the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla. Top with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and crumbled cotija cheese.
7. Serve the fajitas immediately and enjoy!

Cook's Notes

You can use store-bought or homemade mild taco seasoning for the marinade. Feel free to adjust the toppings according to your preference guacamole, salsa, or a squeeze of lime would also be delicious additions!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	759
Total Fat	40g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	128mg
Sodium	908mg
Total Carbohydrate	53g
Dietary Fiber	10g
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	47g
Vitamin C	89mg
Calcium	214mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	1107mg

Note: Nutrient values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may differ depending on your calorie needs.

Chicken Fajita Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying dish that has its roots deeply embedded in Mexican cuisine. Combining marinated chicken, sauted peppers, and onions, this dish is an easy yet delicious choice for any meal. Whether served on a weekday night or at a family gathering, chicken fajita tacos are sure to please everyone at the table. Below is a detailed exploration of the history, regional influences, and more about this tasty treat.

Origin and History

The fajita, as we know it today, originated in Texas, USA, and was made famous by the Tex-Mex cuisine. The word "fajita" comes from the Spanish word "faja," meaning "strip" or "belt," which refers to the thin strips of meat traditionally used. Fajitas were first introduced to the world in the 1930s when Mexican ranch workers were given less-desirable cuts of beef, such as skirt steak, which they cooked on an open flame. Over time, this dish evolved, incorporating different ingredients like peppers and onions, and was adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Today, fajitas are a beloved part of Tex-Mex cuisine, and chicken fajitas have become a popular variation, often replacing beef with more accessible chicken breast.

Regional Variations

While the classic fajita originally featured beef, especially skirt steak, chicken fajitas are a common variation in many households, particularly in the United States. In Mexico, fajitas are less common, but the concept of grilled or marinated meats wrapped in tortillas is deeply rooted in Mexican culinary traditions. In regions like Nuevo Len and Tamaulipas, the dish is often referred to as "tacos de fajita," where it is served with grilled chicken or beef, cilantro, and fresh lime. In the United States, particularly in border areas like Texas, the fajita has been widely adopted, with the addition of toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Chicken fajita tacos differ from other similar Mexican dishes such as burritos or quesadillas in several key ways. While burritos typically contain a filling wrapped in a large flour tortilla, fajitas are served in smaller tortillas and are more focused on fresh, grilled ingredients like peppers, onions, and marinated chicken. Quesadillas, on the other hand, involve melting cheese between tortillas, making them a more cheese-centric option. Fajitas, especially chicken fajitas, emphasize the flavor of the marinated meat and the texture of grilled vegetables, creating a dish with a fresh, savory profile. The toppings in fajitas also differ, as sour cream, guacamole, and cotija cheese complement the grilled flavors, while quesadillas rely heavily on cheese as the main ingredient.

Where Chicken Fajita Tacos are Typically Served

Chicken fajita tacos are a popular dish found in many Tex-Mex restaurants, particularly in the southern United States. They are often featured on menus as a hearty, flavorful option for both lunch and dinner. In Mexico, though fajitas themselves are not as commonly served, variations of grilled meat tacosoften similar to fajitascan be found, particularly in street food markets. In the U.S., fajita tacos have made their way into the mainstream, being featured at Mexican restaurants, food trucks, and even fast-casual chains. They're frequently served at family gatherings, casual parties, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Fun Facts About Chicken Fajita Tacos

• The chicken for fajitas is traditionally marinated overnight, allowing the flavors to fully develop before grilling.
• Fajitas were initially made with skirt steak, but chicken has become a widely used alternative due to its lighter and healthier nature.
• The dish became particularly popular in the 1980s, thanks to the rise of Tex-Mex cuisine in American restaurants.
• In the 1990s, fajitas were often served sizzling on cast iron skillets, adding an extra dramatic presentation to the dish.
• The use of orange juice in the marinade is a key element in bringing a sweet, tangy flavor to the chicken.

Chicken fajita tacos have undoubtedly become a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, offering a vibrant and savory experience with every bite. Whether you're at a family dinner or at a trendy taco joint, this dish is sure to bring a taste of Mexico to your table.

FAQ about Chicken Fajita Tacos Recipe