Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

Introduction to Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Skillet Chicken Fajitas are a mouthwatering Tex-Mex dish renowned for their sizzling presentation and vibrant flavors. Originating from the border regions of Mexico and the United States, fajitas have become a beloved dish worldwide for their simplicity and deliciousness.

Ingredients for Skillet Chicken Fajitas

To prepare Skillet Chicken Fajitas, you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Bell peppers (red, green, and yellow for color variety)
• Onion
• Tortillas (flour or corn)
• Olive oil
• Seasonings (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)

Additionally, for the Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce, you’ll need:

• Fresh jalapeños
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime juice
• Salt

Preparing the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor. Then, cook the chicken in a skillet until it’s cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.

Sauteing the Vegetables

Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips. In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté the vegetables until they’re tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, adding seasoning to taste.

Making the Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

In a blender, combine jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.

Assembling the Fajitas

Warm the tortillas either in the skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables. Drizzle with the creamy jalapeño verde sauce.

Serving and Presentation

Garnish your Skillet Chicken Fajitas with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, and guacamole for a complete meal.

Health Benefits of Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Skillet Chicken Fajitas are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are packed with lean protein from the chicken and an array of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Plus, they’re customizable to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions.

Variations and Substitutions

For vegetarian fajitas, substitute the chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms. Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version. Experiment with different sauces and toppings to create unique flavor profiles.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Maintain medium-high heat for the skillet to achieve a nice char on the chicken and vegetables without overcooking them. Season the chicken and vegetables generously with spices for maximum flavor. Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair Skillet Chicken Fajitas with a refreshing pitcher of margaritas or a cold Mexican beer for the perfect combination. Serve with traditional sides like Mexican street corn, black beans, and salsa fresca.

History and Cultural Significance

Fajitas trace their roots to the ranching communities of Northern Mexico, where tough cuts of beef were marinated and grilled over an open fire. The dish gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in Texas, where it became a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How spicy is the Jalapeño Verde Sauce?
   • The spice level of the sauce can be adjusted based on the number of jalapeños used. It typically has a mild to medium heat.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, the Jalapeño Verde Sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. What type of tortillas works best for fajitas?
   • Flour tortillas are commonly used for fajitas, but you can also use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.
4. Can I use different meats instead of chicken?
   • Absolutely! Fajitas can be made with beef, shrimp, pork, or even a combination of meats for variety.
5. Are skillet chicken fajitas healthy?
   • Yes, skillet chicken fajitas are a healthy choice as they are low in calories and high in protein and essential nutrients from the vegetables.

Conclusion

Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that make them a favorite for gatherings or weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Source: halfbakedharvest.com

Yield: 4

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

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Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup? The Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is just what you need. This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken breasts with crisp vegetables, all topped with a flavorful Parmesan crust. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (about 3-4 pieces)
• 2 T olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 c grated parmesan
• 1/3 c breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
• 1/2 – 3/4 tsp sea salt
• For the Potatoes:
• 2 lb red potatoes, but into bite sized pieces , (if small quartered, larger potatoes will be cut into 6ths or 8ths even)
• 1 – 2 garlic clove, minced
• 2 T olive oil
• 2 T grated parmesan
• salt and pepper to taste
• For the Green Beans:
• 1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 T parmesan (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F.

• Line a sheet pan with parchment for easier cleaning or spray with cooking oil. In a medium bowl, toss all ingredients for potatoes together and stir well to evenly coat. Spread the potatoes on 1/3 of the pan and place in oven for about 10-15 minutes. (if you like your potatoes nice and browned, go with the extra five minutes.)

• While potatoes are cooking, toss all ingredients for chicken in the same bowl and coat all the chicken well. Remove the pan with the potatoes and add the chicken. Place in oven while you toss everything together for the green beans and add them to the pan.

• Bake for about 25 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra crispy potatoes, turn the oven to broil on high for 4-5 more minutes if desired.

• Remove from oven and allow to cool several minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

• The biggest thing that will vary this recipe for most of us will be the thickness and size of your chicken breasts. While the going time for a chicken breast at 425°F is about 25 minutes, not all pieces of chicken are created equal. If your chicken seems super large or thick, plan for some extra time.
• Salt and pepper is really however you prefer. I always season my chicken with a decent amount of pepper and a pinch of salt or so. You don’t have to go all in from the get fo, feel free to add in more at the end!
• The bottom of the chicken is not as crispy as the top will get. You can use a rack on your sheet pan to allow any moisture to fall below versus staying on the chicken.
• You can add other herbs or seasoning to the dish. I like to toss in some Italian seasoning or even just some oregano to the chicken and potatoes sometimes. About 1/2 – 1 teaspoon is great.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 600