Quick Fajita Chicken

Mexican Fajita Chicken with Spices and Herbs

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Quick Fajita Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of flavorful spices and tender chicken tenders makes this dish a family favorite.

History

Fajitas are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The dish was originally made with skirt steak, but over time, chicken has become a popular alternative. Quick Fajita Chicken is a simplified version of traditional fajitas, making it a quick and easy meal option.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders

Marinade

1 tbsp chile powder
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp brown sugar
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp ground cumin
salt to taste

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine chile powder, cilantro, brown sugar substitute, pepper, and cumin.
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Rub the mixture into the chicken tenders.
Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Preheat the George Foreman grill.
Once hot, spray the grill with nonstick spray.
Place the chicken tenders on the grill and close the top.
Cook for 4 minutes.
Check for doneness.
If cooked through, remove from the grill.
If not, cook for an additional 1 minute.
Cut up the chicken tenders and serve them in tortillas with sour cream, guacamole, grated cheese, and any other condiments of your choice.

Variations

Substitute the chicken tenders with steak or shrimp for a different flavor.
Add bell peppers and onions to the marinade for a more traditional fajita flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a George Foreman grill for quick and even cooking.

- Serve the chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Quick Fajita Chicken in warm tortillas with sour cream, guacamole, grated cheese, and salsa.

Cooking Techniques

Use a George Foreman grill for quick and even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the chile powder with paprika for a milder flavor.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Quick Fajita Chicken on a platter with colorful toppings for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Quick Fajita Chicken with Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

160 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

3g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains cilantro and may not be suitable for those with cilantro allergies.

Summary

Quick Fajita Chicken is a low-calorie, high-protein dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Summary

Quick Fajita Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With flavorful spices and tender chicken tenders, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl eager to learn the secrets of the kitchen from my own mother. She was a masterful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients to create delicious meals for our family.

One day, as I watched her prepare dinner, she pulled out a recipe card from her collection and handed it to me. It was for Quick Fajita Chicken, a dish that I had never tried before. I watched intently as she chopped the fresh vegetables, marinated the chicken in a flavorful blend of spices, and cooked everything together in a sizzling hot skillet.

The aromas that filled the kitchen were intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When it was finally ready, my mother plated the Quick Fajita Chicken and served it alongside warm tortillas, sour cream, and salsa. The first bite was a revelation - the flavors were bold and spicy, the chicken tender and juicy. I knew then that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Quick Fajita Chicken countless times, always adding my own twist to the dish. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. But it wasn't until recently that I learned the true origin of this beloved recipe.

It was during a family reunion, when my aunt revealed that the recipe for Quick Fajita Chicken had been passed down through generations in our family. Apparently, it was a favorite of my great-grandmother, who had learned it from a Mexican neighbor many years ago. The neighbor had generously shared her recipe with my great-grandmother, who in turn passed it on to her daughter, my grandmother, and eventually to me.

I was amazed to learn the history behind this recipe, and it made me appreciate it even more. The fact that it had been handed down through the generations, each cook adding their own touch to it, made it feel even more special.

As I continue to make Quick Fajita Chicken for my own family, I can't help but think of the women who came before me, each one adding their own flavor to this beloved dish. I feel a connection to them, a sense of pride in carrying on a tradition that has brought so much joy to our family.

And so, as I chop the fresh vegetables, marinate the chicken in a blend of spices, and cook everything together in a sizzling hot skillet, I do so with a sense of gratitude for the women who came before me. I am proud to carry on their legacy, to share this delicious recipe with my own loved ones, and to continue the tradition of Quick Fajita Chicken for generations to come.