Sizzling Chicken Fajitas – The Perfect Easy Dinner

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Are you ready to create a delicious restaurant-style dinner, right from the comfort of your own kitchen?  You’re going to love these Sizzling Chicken Fajitas. Not only are they tasty and tender but they’re also a simple and quick dinner, too!   

To get that restaurant type flavor without the expensive grill, use a cast iron skillet.  This will give you a little more of a grilled flavor.  Don’t you love a good cast iron skillet?

Fajitas are one of my favorite things to order when we go out to eat but they’re also one of the more expensive items on the menu, too. This is why I’ve decided that when I’m craving that delicious fajita taste, I’m just going to go ahead and make my very own at home. 

This recipe will have you loving the fact that you can easily create a restaurant-quality recipe in a short amount of time. 

What’s the difference between a taco and a fajita?

Don’t get me wrong, we love tacos, too! But there is a difference between the two. Tacos are typically ground meat while fajitas are strips of meat or chicken that are served with veggies like onions and peppers on a hot plate. 

What is on a fajita?

Typically, it’s meat, onions, and peppers and then you can top it with whatever type of toppings that you like. Some people like to add salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even some shredded lettuce and cheese.  See my homemade salsa recipes which add a different flavor too.

Why use cast iron?

Invest in a few pieces of great cast iron and you will have them forever with proper care.  They will soon become your favorite way to cook.

If you haven’t been lucky enough to have some cast iron skillets passed down to you, you can purchase great pre-seasoned products that will last a lifetime.  Proper care is needed.    Lodge Manufacturing  is a world known company located just about 45 minutes from Chattanooga.  So, buying from them to me is considered buying local.  They even help host The National Cornbread Festival.  You will find tips on maintaining your cast iron plus many recipes on the Lodge website.

 

Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

Gather up the list of simple ingredients below to get started! 

Fajita Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Remaining Ingredients:

• 11⁄2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1⁄4 C extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• add 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium white onion, sliced
• 2 large avocados, sliced
• 2 large limes, cut into wedges
• 1⁄2 C fresh cilantro, chopped

Supplies Needed:

• Cast Iron Skillet – see link below
• Instant Read Thermometer
• Mixing Bowl

Directions to make Chicken Fajitas

Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.

Add the chicken breasts to a large, non-reactive bowl and pour the marinade on top. Turn the breasts to ensure all pieces are equally coated. Allow marinating at room temperature up to one hour or cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.

To prepare the fajitas, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Remove chicken breasts from marinade and discard the remaining liquid. Place chicken breasts in skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes before turning. Continue cooking another 6-8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Tip: An instant-read thermometer should read 160 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken for you to know that it’s done cooking. The heat will continue to rise another 5 degrees while the meat rests.

Increase heat to medium-high and add remaining olive oil to skillet. Add the sliced peppers and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender and nicely browned, approximately 6-7 minutes.

To serve, cut the chicken breasts into thin slices and divide among cast iron fajita platters if using, (see tip below) or individual serving plates.

Serve immediately with peppers, onions, sliced avocado, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro, if desired, on the side.  My favorite is lots of sour cream too.

Tip: For an authentic restaurant-style sizzling fajita presentation – heat the cast iron fajita skillets in a hot oven while preparing the chicken and vegetables. Transfer the cooked ingredients to the hot fajita skillets and serve immediately.

Tip: The chicken can be sliced before cooking, but it tends to dry out when prepared this way. Cooking the whole breasts takes a bit longer, but the chicken will be juicier.  If you want it sliced prior to cooking, I also suggest marinating after it’s sliced.  You get a bit more flavor per bite.

Tip: You want try my Homemade Southwest Seasoning (see link below) for your seasoning.  This is a great seasoning for all of your Tex-Mex dishes.  Make up a batch to keep on hand.  This isn’t quite as spicy as the above mentioned marinade.

See how simple this recipe is? It’s going to be one of the best meals of the week for certain! 

Like this simple dinner recipe? Make certain to check out these as well:

Another version for Fajitas

• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

A few perfect sides or accompaniments with this meal

• Taco Bar Corn Salad
• Creamy Margarita 
• Homemade Southwest Seasoning
• Ulitmate Skillet Nachos

 

Lodge L8SKL Cast Iron Pan, ...Shop on Amazon Lodge LFSR3 Cast Iron Fajit...Shop on Amazon

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