Fajitas

Fajitas

35 min
Our tasty fajitas are a Tex-Mex classic that gives you delicious chicken strips in a zesty homemade spice mix. Colourful vegetables like peppers and red onions provide a fresh boost. Tuck this mixture into a warm tortilla and top it with crème fraiche, salsa, and cheese. These fajitas are well-suited for a fun family meal or a relaxed get-together.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/fajitas/

Instructions

  • Put salt, paprika, and the rest of the dry spices in a large bowl. Mix with oil, tomato purée, and lime juice.
  • Toss peppers, onions, and chicken well with the spice mixture.
  • Heat a pan.
  • Divide meat and vegetables into 2 portions. Fry one portion over high heat while stirring for about 2 minutes. Remove it. Fry the second portion of meat and vegetables in the same way.
  • Put all the meat and vegetables in the pan and fry on low heat for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water and season to taste.
  • Meanwhile, heat the tortillas according to the instructions on the package.
  • Serve the warm tortillas with fajitas, crème fraiche, salsa, grated cheese, and coriander so you can fill your tortilla yourself.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about fajitas

We have gathered answers to your most frequent questions to help you cook fajitas. Learn how to prepare in advance and make use of leftovers.

Can I prepare fajitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and vegetables ahead of time to enhance their flavour. Simply store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before you plan to cook. After cooking, keep the chicken and vegetables fresh by storing them in separate sealed containers in the fridge. They will stay good for up to five days.
What to do with leftover fajitas?
Give your fajitas a second life by mixing leftover chicken and vegetables into salads, bowls, or omelettes. Wrap the savoury mix in crisp butter lettuce for a fresh alternative to tortillas. Combine the chicken and veggies with leafy greens, black beans, sweet corn, and avocado to create a fajita salad.

Ingredients

Coarse salt
1½ tsp
Smoked paprika
1 tbsp
Ground cumin
1 tbsp
Dried oregano
1 tbsp
Garlic powder
1 tbsp
Ground chillies
2 tsp
Rapeseed oil
2 tsp
Concentrated tomato purée
1 tbsp
Freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp
Red and yellow pepper in thin strips (about 450 g)
3
Red onions in thin strips (about 150 g)
2
Chicken fillet in thin strips
300 g
Water
2 tbsp
Sides
Wheat or medium whole wheat tortillas
8
Creme fraiche
200 ml
Tomato salsa
200 ml
Cheese, grated, for example, aged cheddar cheese
75 g
Fresh coriander
1 bunch

Tips: Make fajitas like a pro

Whether you are new to cooking or an experienced chef, follow these tips for flavourful and perfectly cooked fajitas.

Achieve the perfect char

To get a nice char, make sure the vegetables have enough room – crowding the pan can cause them to steam instead. This space allows them to develop a desirable, smoky char, bringing out their sweetness and adding a rich, smoky flavour. Keep stirring the vegetables for even charring and to avoid burns.

The best way to warm tortillas

Warm your tortillas until they become flexible with a charred touch for the best texture and flavour. Use a dry skillet to add a hint of smokiness and make them easy to wrap. After warming, wrap the tortillas in a clean cloth to keep them warm and soft until you are ready to use them.

Storing and freezing

If you have leftovers, put the chicken and vegetables in separate containers in the fridge. This keeps the flavours and textures fresh for a few days. You can also freeze your leftovers – just make sure they are cooled completely before transferring them to a freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge and reheat them gently to bring back their full Tex-Mex flavour.

Try our delicious recipe for fajitas

Our delicious fajita recipe combines savoury and fresh fillings for a flavourful addition to your dinner table. This easy Tex-Mex dish is ideal for busy weekdays when you are craving a quick flavour boost. Originating in the ranch lands of South and West Texas, fajitas were traditionally made by cutting meat into strips and cooking it over an open fire. Enjoy this modernized cowboy classic with your family and savour the taste of our tasty fajitas.

If you are looking for other excellent dishes, consider trying our tasty butter chicken or easy tuna wraps.

Marinated chicken and vegetable filling

Tender strips of chicken breast, along with bright red peppers and onions, are tossed in a flavourful marinade made from a mix of oil, tomato purée, lime juice, salt, paprika, and other dry spices. This mixture not only coats but also tenderizes the chicken and vegetables, infusing them with rich Tex-Mex flavours. Toss the marinated chicken and vegetables in a pan, and let the delightful aromas fill your kitchen. The result is a crisp yet tender consistency that elevates every pepper, onion, and chicken strip to its full potential, delivering a delicious bite with every forkful.

What to serve with fajitas?

Serve your fajitas with classic condiments like crème fraiche and salsa. The crème fraiche offers a creamy, tangy touch, while the salsa provides fresh and spicy flavours. Do not forget the cheese, which enhances the dish with its rich taste as it melts into the fajita.

A crisp jicama slaw makes a popular side, adding a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the meal. Alternatively, a corn and black bean salad can offer a simple yet colourful and textured complement.

Garnish with fresh coriander or lime to echo the flavours of the fajitas. These not only add flavour but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish. For a creamy and vibrant addition, top it off with a dollop of guacamole, a beloved accompaniment for fajitas.

Make it your own

Make the fajitas your own by adding or substituting different ingredients.

Immerse your chicken strips in a blend of spices mixed with some orange juice for tender, flavour-packed meat. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, in the refrigerator for optimal results. The orange juice imparts a gentle sweetness and helps tenderize the meat, making it succulent and rich in flavour when cooked. This also enhances the chicken’s caramelization during cooking. You can experiment with other juices like pineapple, apple, or mango.

For those who prefer less heat, dial down the ground chilli and smoked paprika in your spice mix. To turn up the heat, add more of these spices or toss in some fresh chilli. For an intense kick, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper will amp up your fajitas.