Hello food lovers! Welcome to a delicious journey where bold flavors meet comfort food. Today, we’re making Smoky Blackened Chicken Fajitas with Sizzling Peppers and Onions, a dish that brings the heat with a smoky blend of spices and tender, juicy chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this fajita recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors. Let’s dive in and bring some sizzle to your kitchen!
Introduction
Fajitas are a beloved dish originating from Tex-Mex cuisine, known for their flavorful combination of grilled meat, sautéed peppers, and onions, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. These Smoky Blackened Chicken Fajitas take the classic dish up a notch by incorporating the rich taste of liquid smoke and a medley of spices that perfectly complement the tender chicken. With a quick marination and simple cooking technique, this recipe is not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare for any occasion. Ready to learn how to create this irresistible dish? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting fajita recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs (can substitute with chicken breast)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing chicken)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for searing chicken)
- 3 small red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for onions and peppers)
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas (fajita size)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
To Garnish:
- Sour cream
- Chipotle Mayo
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
How to Make Smoky Blackened Chicken Fajitas
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Smoky Blackened Chicken Fajitas:
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into 1-inch wide strips, cutting against the grain. Add them to a bowl with lime juice, soy sauce, liquid smoke, cumin, kosher salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Prep the Veggies: Slice bell peppers and onions into ¼-inch slices. Set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and sear the chicken in batches, about 2 minutes on each side. Add butter halfway through cooking, swirling it around the pan. Once cooked, remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then cook the peppers and onions. Season with kosher salt and add the reserved chicken marinade. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the veggies. Warm the tortillas in a clean skillet, and optionally sprinkle with cheese to melt. Serve the fajitas with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Marination Matters: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will be. If time allows, let the chicken marinate overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix up the vegetables in this recipe. Zucchini or mushrooms can be a great addition to your fajitas if you’re looking to increase your veggie intake.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your preference for spice. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
Cooking Tips
- Use Cast Iron: A cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it retains heat well and gives the chicken and vegetables a nice char. If you don’t have one, a heavy-bottomed skillet will work too.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cooking in batches ensures that the chicken browns properly and doesn’t steam.
- Heat Tortillas: Warming your tortillas in a clean skillet brings out their flavor and makes them more pliable. You can also heat them over an open flame on a gas stove for a slightly charred edge.
Serving Suggestions
These Smoky Blackened Chicken Fajitas pair beautifully with classic Tex-Mex sides like Mexican Rice and Refried Beans. For a refreshing contrast, serve them with a side of Citrus Avocado Salad or a simple Corn and Black Bean Salsa. Don’t forget a cold beverage—Margaritas or a crisp Mexican Lager are always a great choice!
To make your fajitas more festive, create a DIY fajita bar with a variety of toppings like pico de gallo, queso fresco, and pickled jalapeños, allowing everyone to customize their own fajitas.
Nutritional Information
For those looking to keep track of their intake, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of these delicious fajitas:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 60% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas separate to avoid them getting soggy.
Reheat: To reheat, warm the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave them, but reheating in a skillet helps maintain the texture and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Creative Leftovers: Leftover chicken fajitas make a great filling for quesadillas, tacos, or even a fajita-inspired rice bowl. Simply serve over rice and top with your favorite garnishes for a quick and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook the breast meat, as it can dry out more easily than thighs.
What can I substitute for liquid smoke?
If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can omit it and still get a great flavor from the smoked paprika. Alternatively, a dash of smoked salt can also provide a similar effect.
How do I make the fajitas spicier?
To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add finely diced fresh chilies like jalapeños or serranos to the marinade. You can also drizzle the finished fajitas with hot sauce.
Related Recipes
Looking for more Tex-Mex inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes from our site:
These dishes are perfect for quick weeknight dinners and packed with flavor!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making these Smoky Blackened Chicken Fajitas as much as we do! They’re full of bold, smoky flavors and come together quickly, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and sides to make the dish your own. We’d love to hear how your fajitas turn out, so be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts and any delicious variations you tried. Happy cooking!
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Smoky Blackened Chicken Fajitas with Sizzling Peppers and Onions
Description
Hello food lovers! Welcome to a delicious journey where bold flavors meet comfort food. Today, we’re making Smoky Blackened Chicken Fajitas with Sizzling Peppers and Onions, a dish that brings the heat with a smoky blend of spices and tender, juicy chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this fajita recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors. Let’s dive in and bring some sizzle to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs (can substitute with chicken breast)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing chicken)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for searing chicken)
- 3 small red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for onions and peppers)
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas (fajita size)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
To Garnish:
- Sour cream
- Chipotle Mayo
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into 1-inch wide strips, cutting against the grain. Add them to a bowl with lime juice, soy sauce, liquid smoke, cumin, kosher salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Prep the Veggies: Slice bell peppers and onions into ¼-inch slices. Set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and sear the chicken in batches, about 2 minutes on each side. Add butter halfway through cooking, swirling it around the pan. Once cooked, remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then cook the peppers and onions. Season with kosher salt and add the reserved chicken marinade. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the veggies. Warm the tortillas in a clean skillet, and optionally sprinkle with cheese to melt. Serve the fajitas with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Marination Matters: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will be. If time allows, let the chicken marinate overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix up the vegetables in this recipe. Zucchini or mushrooms can be a great addition to your fajitas if you’re looking to increase your veggie intake.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your preference for spice. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
