Perfectly Balanced Meal for a Busy Weeknight: Simple Chicken Fajita Recipe

Keyword: simple chicken fajitas

Finding time to cook during a busy week can be challenging, but it's essential to maintain healthy eating habits. One delicious and nutritious option that takes only 20 minutes is making simple chicken fajitas. This dish provides a satisfying meal packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor, perfect for any busy night or quick lunch. Let’s dive into this recipe and learn how easy it can be to prepare!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Cilantro sprigs for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice
• Tortillas of your preference
• Lime wedges for serving
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, or salsa

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Steps to Make Simple Chicken Fajitas

To get started, first preheat your oven or grill (if using) for about 5 minutes. While the oven is heating up, prepare all of your ingredients by slicing the peppers and onions thinly.

In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. This will serve as our chicken seasoning mix.

1. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and sprinkle them with the spice mixture until they are evenly coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so that the flavors can penetrate the meat slightly before cooking.
2. Heat up your non-stick pan or grill over medium heat. Once hot, add two tablespoons of olive oil (or any other cooking oil). Sear the chicken breasts until they are browned on all sides and have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a meat thermometer.
3. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat but leave it covered with foil. Allow it to rest for approximately five minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Meanwhile, place your bell peppers and onions in the same heated pan used previously. Cook them until they start softening up and turn vibrant colors. Stir occasionally during this process which typically takes around 5-7 minutes depending on their thickness.

Once the chicken has rested sufficiently, slice it into thin strips across the grain using a sharp knife. Return the sliced chicken back to your cooking pan with the vegetables. Mix well ensuring that all pieces of meat and veggies are evenly coated with spices and juices from the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

The final step is assembling each serving with warm tortillas, some shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, or whatever topping you fancy. Garnish it with fresh cilantro sprigs if desired before enjoying your freshly made simple chicken fajitas!

Health Benefits:

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein which helps build muscles and supports overall health.
• Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C, B6, fiber, and antioxidants that promote immune system function and skin health.
• Cilantro: Known for its detoxifying properties helping remove toxins from the body naturally.

Conclusion:

Making simple chicken fajitas is more than just a convenient solution when time is limited; it’s also about enjoying wholesome ingredients that taste fantastic together. By following these easy steps, you can whip up this meal in less than 20 minutes without sacrificing on flavor or nutritional value. Incorporating such recipes into your weekly menu plan will make maintaining healthy eating easier and more enjoyable!