Chicken Fajitas

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Tortillas, for serving
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, or longer if possible, for more flavor.
3. In a large skillet or pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
5. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes until it is cooked through and slightly browned.
6. Return the sautéed bell peppers and onions to the pan with the cooked chicken. Toss everything together to combine and warm through.
7. Remove the pan from the heat.
8. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
9. Serve the Chicken Fajitas with warm tortillas and your choice of optional toppings.
10. Enjoy assembling your own flavorful and delicious Chicken Fajitas!

History:

Chicken Fajitas have their origins in Mexican cuisine, where the term "fajita" referred to a cut of beef (skirt steak) that was grilled and served in tortillas.

As fajitas gained popularity in the United States, chicken became a popular alternative to beef due to its milder flavor and tender texture.

Today, Chicken Fajitas are a beloved Tex-Mex dish, known for their sizzling presentation and customizable toppings.

They are often served on a sizzling hot platter with sautéed peppers and onions, allowing diners to create their own flavorful fajitas at the table.

Interesting Facts:

- The word "fajita" comes from the Spanish term "faja," which means "belt" or "sash." It is believed that the name refers to the long, thin shape of the meat used in traditional beef fajitas.

- Chicken Fajitas are not only delicious but also a colorful and nutritious dish, packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables.

- You can use various types of bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) to add a vibrant mix of colors to your fajitas.

- For a complete meal, serve Chicken Fajitas with Spanish rice, refried beans, and a fresh salad.

Note: Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper or using a milder chili powder.