One Pan Pineapple Chicken Dinner
In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you a foolproof recipe for low-carb one pan chicken fajitas. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this dish combines the ease of preparation with the bold flavors you crave. Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep routine with this delicious and nutritious recipe!
Say goodbye to long hours spent in the kitchen with this one pan chicken fajitas! With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their meal prep routine. By cooking everything in a single skillet or baking dish, you'll save time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
One of the best things about this one pan chicken fajitas is its versatility. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition, or spice things up with sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat. Whether you prefer to serve them with low-carb tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over cauliflower rice, the possibilities are endless!
What are chicken fajitas?
Chicken fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish made with grilled or sautéed chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of flavorful spices. The ingredients are typically cooked together and served on warm tortillas, accompanied by various toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and lettuce. Chicken fajitas are versatile and customizable, making them a favorite for many people. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
How to make chicken fajitas?
To make chicken fajitas, chicken breast or chicken thighs are commonly used. The chicken is thinly sliced or cut into strips and marinated in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and other spices to infuse it with flavor. The bell peppers and onions are also sliced and often cooked alongside the chicken until tender-crisp.
Bell peppers:
Bell peppers come in various colors, such as red, green, yellow, and orange. Bell peppers have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that complements the savory taste of the chicken and the spices used in fajitas. They add a depth of flavor to the dish. They are also low in calories and rich in vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants.
Onions:
Onions have a pungent and slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish. When cooked, they become caramelized and develop a rich, savory taste that enhances the overall flavor profile of the fajitas. Similar to peppers, onions provide a contrasting texture to the chicken in fajitas. When cooked, they become tender and slightly caramelized, adding a pleasant chewiness to each bite.
Fajita Seasoning:
Fajita seasoning typically includes a blend of spices that add flavor and depth to the dish. While recipes may vary, here's a common combination of spices found in fajita seasoning:
Chili Powder: Provides a mild heat and earthy flavor.
Cumin: Adds a warm, smoky flavor.
Paprika: Gives a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Onion Powder: Offers a savory, onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
Garlic Powder: Adds a punch of garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the seasoning blend.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and balances the other flavors.
Optional: Some recipes may also include additional spices like oregano, coriander, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor complexity.
Why you’ll love this One Pan Chicken Fajita
Flavorful: The combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, along with fresh garlic and lime juice, creates a delicious and vibrant flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
Healthy: This recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. It's packed with protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the bell peppers and onions.
Easy Cleanup: Since it's a one-pan dish, cleanup is a breeze. With minimal dishes to wash, you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
Versatile: You can customize this dish to suit your taste preferences. Add additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or spice it up with some sliced jalapeños for extra heat. Serve it with low-carb tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Quick and Convenient: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy to prepare.
Meal Prep Made Easy: With this low-carb chicken fajitas, meal prep has never been easier. Simply follow the recipe instructions to prepare a batch ahead of time, then portion it out into individual containers for grab-and-go convenience throughout the week. Whether you're packing lunch for work or need a quick dinner option on busy nights, these fajitas are sure to hit the spot every time.
How to make One Pan Chicken Fajitas
Start by thinly slicing the chicken into strips.
In a large bowl, add the sliced chicken, fajita seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
In the meantime, thinly slice bell peppers and onions. Mince garlic.
Preheat oven to 425°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot enough for baking.
Add all ingredients to a baking dish and spread out evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through if needed. Once chicken and veggies are finished, garnish with fresh lime juice and cilantro if needed.
Expert Tips:
Thinly Slice Chicken: For faster cooking and better flavor absorption, slice the chicken breasts thinly against the grain.
Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, and fajita seasoning for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
Let it Rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to retain its juices and ensures tender, juicy meat.
Customize Your Fajitas: Feel free to customize your fajitas with additional toppings like sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful alternative.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat it in a skillet before serving.
What can I serve with chicken fajitas? Chicken fajitas are traditionally served with tortillas, but you can also serve them with lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or alongside rice, beans, guacamole, and salsa for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken fajitas for up to 2-3 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat chicken fajitas? Reheat chicken fajitas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your desired temperature.