Whether you are new to fajitas or have mastered the recipe, our questions and answers below will help you get to know everything you need about this Tex-Mex recipe.
Cooking oil
|
4 tbsp |
---|---|
Large red onion
|
1 |
Large red peppers, cored and sliced
|
2 |
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
|
600 g |
Large mango, peeled, stoned, and sliced
|
1 |
Smoked paprika
|
1 tsp |
Lime fruits
|
3 |
Avocados
|
3 |
A handful of fresh ground coriander
|
|
Flour tortillas
|
8 |
165 g |
Improve your chicken fajitas with these expert tips, which are intended to help you create a dish brimming with delicious flavour. Keep reading below to learn more!
Achieving that signature chargrilled flavour starts with getting your pan hot enough to produce smoke before adding your ingredients. This high heat is essential for creating the light char that imbues your chicken and vegetables with a smoky, deep flavour reminiscent of authentic Tex-Mex grills. Use tongs to keep everything moving in the pan, ensuring an even char without burning.
For juicy, tender chicken, allow it to rest after cooking. Transfer the seared chicken to a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminium foil for around 10 minutes. This step ensures the juices are redistributed, making every slice moist and full of flavour. Stacking the chicken pieces under the foil helps retain warmth until serving.
Prepare your chicken fajitas in advance by preparing the chicken, slicing the vegetables, and even cooking the ingredients beforehand. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble them just before serving them for a quick meal on busy days.
Bring the flavours of Tex-Mex to your kitchen with this easy chicken fajitas recipe. The ingredients require very little preparation, and you can have everything ready in just about 20 minutes. Because it is so tasty and convenient, our fajitas are perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner.
For more easy and convenient recipes, check out our black bean salad, corn fritters with paneer, and sushi burritos.
The secret to flavourful fajitas lies in the spices used for grilling the chicken. Smoked paprika provides a robust, smoky taste that infuses the chicken with warmth and depth. Paired with lime juice, this combination delivers a lively balance of spice and tang. The lime helps tenderise the chicken, making it succulent and juicy once cooked, so you get moist chicken infused with the delicious flavours of paprika and lime.
The charred vegetables and sweet mango make these fajitas even tastier. The smoky peppers and onions make for a nice, savoury background for the sweetness of the mango, which lends a tropical note to the dish. The caramelisation of the peppers deepens their flavour, while the softened onions provide an almost sweet yet savoury base. The mango, sliced and warmed through, balances the savoury richness with its natural sweetness.
Top your fajitas with crushed avocado, fresh coriander leaves, and a scattering of white cheese to tie everything together. The smooth avocado brings richness to the dish, while the coriander adds a freshness. The tangy white cheese is soft and creamy, which complements the savoury, spiced chicken and grilled vegetables very well.
Chicken fajitas have become a beloved symbol of Tex-Mex cuisine, which itself is a vibrant fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions. The dish has roots in the ranches of northern Mexico, where cowboys would prepare simple meals with whatever fresh ingredients were on hand.
Over time, this humble combination of marinated meats and vegetables cooked over an open flame has evolved into a modern favourite, capturing the lively flavours and festive spirit of Mexican cooking. The sizzling sound of the ingredients hitting the hot pan and the colourful array of toppings make it a true Mexican favourite that has found a special place on tables worldwide.
Experiment with the recipe to give it your favourite flavours. Try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or steak, or pan-fry some mixed mushrooms until thoroughly browned and savoury. Play around with the toppings, from mild and tangy tomatillo salsa to a fiery chilli-laden salsa roja. Fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano provide a different herbal note if you want to try something other than coriander.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a spicy kick. If you are looking to balance the spicy or rich and smoky flavours, think about adding a cooling element like a dollop of sour cream or some crumbled queso fresco. Pickled red onions or radishes can also bring a sharp, refreshing contrast.