Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Looking for an easy one-pan chicken fajitas recipe? This article provides a simple yet delicious way to prepare this popular dish that can be served with tortillas, sour cream, and your favorite toppings. Follow the instructions below for a quick meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
1 large onion, sliced thinly
3 bell peppers (any color), cut into strips
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
1 lime, juiced and zest for garnish
Corn tortillas or flour tortillas, for serving
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt as a topping (optional)
Lettuce or spinach leaves (optional)
Dijon mustard (optional)
Chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats, place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions. Cook them until they become soft and translucent.

Mix in the fajita seasoning with the onions. Add the chicken strips to the pan, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 8 minutes of cooking time. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; this will ensure even browning without sticking together.

Once the chicken is golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit), transfer it from the oven to a baking dish or casserole. Pour in any remaining juices from the pan on top of the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated with flavor.

Nestle the bell peppers into the baking dish alongside the chicken. Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil over both the chicken and peppers. Toss gently to combine flavors. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until the vegetables have softened slightly but still retain their vibrant colors.

Once done, remove from the oven carefully. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture while also sprinkling some lime zest on top. Serve immediately with warm tortillas, sour cream if desired, and optional toppings like lettuce, cilantro, and mustard for extra flavor and color contrast.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in protein provided by the chicken along with essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used in the recipe. The fajita seasoning adds a nice blend of spices which complements both the proteins and vegetable components quite well. It provides a balanced meal option suitable for those looking to enjoy healthier eating habits.

Health Benefits

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential in building and maintaining muscle mass. Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C which boosts immunity and aids in collagen production necessary for healthy skin and wound healing capabilities. Onions not only add flavor but also contain quercetin, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and supports heart health.

The use of olive oil adds good fats to your diet, promoting better cholesterol levels when consumed moderately along with a variety of other whole foods rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

Tips for Success

Ensure the oven is preheated before placing your ingredients inside as this ensures even cooking throughout the process.
Do not rush through any steps especially when sautéing onions; they need time to caramelize for maximum flavor.
To keep things spicy, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper while seasoning.
If you prefer less acidic dishes, use less lime juice but don't skip it entirely as its tanginess balances the sweetness from the vegetables nicely.

Cultural Context

Fajitas are traditionally made with beef or chicken and served in Mexico. However, this recipe utilizes a combination of ingredients commonly found around the world to create a versatile dish that caters to various palates and dietary preferences. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or just cooking for yourself, these fajita-style chicken strips will quickly become a favorite meal among family and friends.

Enjoy your delicious homemade one-pan chicken fajitas! Serve with all the fixings mentioned earlier to make sure everyone at home gets their perfect portion. Don't forget to share this recipe with others too; it’s sure to please many tastes!