Grilled chicken fajitas on skewers—what a party on a stick! The sizzle and aroma can transport you straight to a summer barbecue, even if it’s snowing outside. My cousin once said these skewers could solve world peace, and while I laughed, there’s something in their smoky, spicy magic that just might.
Steps
- Combine olive oil, lime juice, sugar, salt, cumin, garlic, water, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chili powder in a large bowl or resealable bag. Mix until all ingredients are well blended to form a marinade.
- Place chicken breasts, red onion wedges, and bell pepper halves into the marinade. Ensure the ingredients are completely coated, then refrigerate for at least one hour or up to eight hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the marinated chicken, peppers, and onions on it. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side and the vegetables for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, slice the chicken, peppers, and onions into strips. Sprinkle them with chopped cilantro for added flavor.
- Serve the sliced chicken and vegetables with tortillas and your choice of toppings like guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and salsa. Enjoy your meal with complementary side dishes if desired.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ? cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup water
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red onion, cut into 6 wedges
- 3 bell peppers, halved, cored, and seeded
- Tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and salsa for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 915mg | Potassium: 755mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4100IU | Vitamin C: 124mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Should you slice the chicken before or after cooking for fajitas?
- For grilled chicken fajitas, it is best to slice the chicken after cooking. This prevents the chicken from falling through the grill grates and helps retain moisture during grilling. For stovetop fajitas, you can choose to slice the chicken before marinating or cook the chicken whole and slice it afterward, as both methods are effective.
- What ingredients are typically included in a fajita marinade?
- A classic fajita marinade usually includes lime juice, olive oil, and spices like chili powder, garlic, onion powder, and cumin to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Can I use different proteins instead of chicken in this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs, boneless pork chops, flank steak, or even jumbo shrimp for a different protein option in your fajitas.
- What types of vegetables can I include in my fajitas?
- While the recipe calls for bell peppers and onions, you can also add other vegetables such as corn on the cob, mushrooms, or zucchini to customize the dish to your liking.
- How long can you store leftover grilled chicken fajitas?
- Leftover grilled chicken fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring they remain fresh for future meals.
Tips
- Use different colors of bell peppers, such as red, orange, and yellow, for a sweeter flavor profile, or try using other types of peppers like poblano or Anaheim chilies for variety.
- To prevent smaller pieces from falling through the grill grates, keep the chicken breasts whole and cut the peppers and onions into larger chunks before grilling.
- If you’re unsure when your chicken is cooked, use a probe thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Customize the marinade to your taste by experimenting with additional ingredients like orange juice, lime zest, fajita seasoning, or a splash of hot sauce.
Equipment
- Outdoor Grill – If you don’t have a grill at home, you might consider purchasing a charcoal or gas grill for outdoor use.
- Indoor Grill Pan – For those who prefer indoor cooking, an indoor grill pan can be used as an alternative to outdoor grilling.
- Probe Thermometer – This tool can be useful for checking the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.
