Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both easy and impressive? Look no further than these delicious Pappasito's-inspired chicken fajitas! This recipe captures the essence of that beloved restaurant experience, bringing the sizzling, smoky goodness right to your kitchen table. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, these fajitas are sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a taste of Tex-Mex heaven!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller groups.
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- 12-15 flour tortillas (or your preferred type)
- Your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa
Instructions:
Get started:
- Prepare your vegetables by slicing the onions and bell peppers into strips of roughly equal size. This ensures even cooking.
Marinate (Optional but Recommended):
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Marinating for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) will infuse the chicken with amazing flavor.
Cook the Chicken and Veggies:
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Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly browned (about 5-7 minutes).
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Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes).
Warm the Tortillas:
- While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a few ways: heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Assemble and Enjoy!
- Fill each warm tortilla with the delicious chicken and vegetable mixture. Top with your favorite fixings and enjoy your homemade Pappasito's-style chicken fajitas!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken and vegetables in batches ensures even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder fajita, omit it altogether.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like pico de gallo, pickled onions, or different types of cheese.
Variations:
- Steak Fajitas: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced steak. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Shrimp Fajitas: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter, quicker meal.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: Omit the meat and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or squash.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-450 (depending on toppings) Protein: 25-35g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This recipe offers a quick, healthy, and delicious meal option. Perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings, these chicken fajitas are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the fiesta!