Description
Alton Brown’s fajitas bring sizzling Tex-Mex magic to your kitchen with perfectly seasoned meat and zesty peppers. Crisp tortillas, tender strips of marinated protein, and colorful bell peppers create a festive meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- ½ lime
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) olive oil
Spices and Seasonings:
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 grams) chili powder
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 grams) ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) paprika
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) oregano
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) pepper
Serving Accompaniments:
- tortillas
- sour cream
- pico de gallo
- avocado
Instructions
- Create a zesty fajita seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing all dry spices in a compact mixing container.
- Meticulously massage the fragrant seasoning mixture into each chicken breast, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Warm a tablespoon (15 milliliters) of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, maintaining a consistent temperature.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken is cooking, thinly slice red and green bell peppers and yellow onions into uniform strips to ensure consistent cooking.
- Remove perfectly seared chicken from skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 3 to 4 minutes to retain moisture.
- In the same skillet with remaining chicken drippings, sauté pepper and onion strips for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become slightly caramelized and tender.
- Slice cooked chicken breasts diagonally into thin, restaurant-style strips using a sharp knife.
- Reintroduce chicken strips into the skillet with sautéed vegetables, sprinkle with fresh lime juice, and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Warm tortillas briefly, then serve fajitas immediately with accompanying garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
Notes
- Sizzling skillet technique locks in juicy chicken flavors and creates perfect caramelization.
- Marinating chicken beforehand transforms ordinary protein into a zesty, tender delight.
- Bell peppers and onions provide vibrant colors and crisp texture when quickly stir-fried.
- Tortilla selection matters – fresh corn or soft flour options enhance overall dining experience.
- Restaurant-quality meal prepared right in your home kitchen without complicated techniques.
- Leftovers taste amazing when stored properly in airtight containers for next-day enjoyment.
- Quick 20-minute total cooking time makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Budget-friendly ingredients ensure delicious results without breaking the bank.
- Gluten-free alternatives available by swapping traditional tortillas with lettuce wraps.
- Minimal cleanup required with strategic ingredient preparation and one-pan cooking method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg