Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe: A Flavorful and Refreshing Twist on a Classic
As the summer months approach, many of us are looking for lighter and more refreshing meal options that still pack a punch of flavor. Look no further than this Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe, which combines the bold flavors of chili and lime with the tender juiciness of grilled chicken, all wrapped up in a crunchy bed of mixed greens.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Fajitas have long been a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, with their sizzling skillets of marinated meat and vegetables, served with warm flour tortillas and a side of tangy salsa. But why not take this classic dish to the next level by adding some fresh and vibrant elements to create a salad that’s perfect for a warm-weather evening?
The Key Ingredients
To make this Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 large onion, sliced into thin rings
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into thin strips
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced into thin rings
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Grilling Process
To start, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Once the chicken is marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
The Sizzling Skillet
While the chicken is grilling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to char and soften. Add the sliced jalapeño peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
Assembly Time
To assemble the salad, place a generous portion of mixed greens onto a large plate or bowl. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the greens.
Add the sizzling skillet mixture over the chicken, making sure to distribute it evenly.
The Finishing Touches
Top the salad with crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (if using), along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
The Perfect Pairings
This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is perfect for pairing with a variety of beverages, including:
- Iced tea with a squeeze of lime juice
- Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime
- A cold beer or glass of wine
- Fresh-squeezed juice or smoothie
Tips and Variations
To make this recipe even more exciting, try some of these tips and variations:
- Add some crunch by topping the salad with toasted tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips
- Mix in some diced avocado or black beans for added creaminess and protein
- Swap out the queso fresco or feta cheese for shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Add some heat by sprinkling some diced serrano peppers on top of the salad
Conclusion
This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic dish. With its bold flavors and textures, it’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you need a quick and satisfying meal. So go ahead, fire up your grill, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering salad!
Source: cafedelites.com
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe
As the summer months approach, many of us are looking for lighter and more refreshing meal options that still pack a punch of flavor. Look no further than this Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe, which combines the bold flavors of chili and lime with the tender juiciness of grilled chicken, all wrapped up in a crunchy bed of mixed greens.
- Marinade/Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 ml just over 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon red chili flakes ((or red pepper flakes — adjust to your preference of spice))
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Salad:
- 4 chicken thigh fillets (skin removed (no bone))
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper (deseeded and sliced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (deseeded and sliced)
- 1/2 an onion (sliced)
- 5 cups Romaine ((or cos) lettuce leaves, washed and dried)
- 2 avocados (sliced)
- Extra cilantro leaves to garnish
- Sour cream ((optional) to serve)
- Whisk marinade ingredients together to combine. Pour half the marinade into a shallow dish to marinade the chicken fillets for two hours if time allows. Refrigerate the reserved untouched marinade to use as a dressing.
- Heat about one teaspoon of oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and grill chicken fillets on each side until golden, crispy and cooked through. (Grill in batches to prevent excess water being released.) Once chicken is cooked, set aside and allow to rest.
- Wipe pan over with paper towel; drizzle with another teaspoon of oil and fry pepper and onion strips until cooked to your liking.
- Slice chicken into strips and prepare salad with leaves, avocado slices, peppers, onion strips and chicken. Drizzle with remaining marinade/dressing and serve with (optional) extra cilantro leaves and sour cream.