Who doesn’t love a flavorful taco night? These Fajita Chicken Tacos are perfect for an easy lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The smoky chipotle, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese create a delicious filling that can be used for tacos, rice bowls, or salads. Plus, with a side of homemade guacamole, you’re in for a real treat. Let’s make taco magic happen!
Method
Preparing the Flavorful Chicken Filling
Begin by prepping the vegetables and chicken. Dice the bell pepper and onion, crush the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and drain the black beans. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the peppers and onions until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the diced chicken, chipotle paste, paprika, and cumin, stirring to coat the chicken. Cook the chicken until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir in the tomatoes, black beans, and tomato purée, then simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle with cheese and melt under a broiler or with a lid on the stovetop.
Creating the Creamy Guacamole
While the chicken cooks, prepare the guacamole. Halve and pit the avocados, scooping the flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork to your desired consistency. Add lime juice, cilantro, jalapeños (if using), and salt, stirring to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Assembling the Delicious Tacos
Warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package directions. This can be done in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven. Warming them makes them more pliable. Fill each warm shell with the chicken fajita filling.
Serving the Fajita Chicken Tacos
Top the filling with a generous dollop of guacamole. Add any desired toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or lettuce. Serve the tacos immediately while the filling is hot and the tortillas are warm, for the best taste and texture.
Fajita Chicken Tacos
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Bowl for guacamole
- Grill or broiler for melting cheese
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Filling:
- 350 g chicken breast
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 diced pepper
- 1 diced onion
- Handful of cherry tomatoes
- 1 tin of black beans drained
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tbsp chipotle paste
- 70 g reduced-fat grated cheese
- For the Guacamole:
- 2 small ripe avocados
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Handful of chopped coriander
- 1 tbsp diced jalapeños
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced peppers and onion, frying until slightly softened.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chicken breast (diced into small pieces), chipotle paste, paprika, and cumin. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is coated in the seasoning.
- Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, black beans, and tomato purée. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Melt the Cheese.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the chicken mixture and place the pan under the grill or broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Step 4: Make the Guacamole.
- Peel the avocados and mash them in a bowl. Mix in the lime juice, chopped coriander, diced jalapeños, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Step 5: Assemble the Tacos.
- Warm your taco shells and fill them with the chicken fajita mixture. Top with a dollop of guacamole and any additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or shredded lettuce.
Video
Notes
- Check the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked with no pink in the middle.
- Don’t Burn the Cheese: Keep an eye on the grill to avoid burning the cheese.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or less chipotle paste to suit your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of rice or potato wedges for a filling meal.
- Add a crunchy coleslaw for extra texture.
- Pair with a refreshing lime soda or a margarita for a taco night vibe.
Fun Fact
Did you know the word “fajita” originally referred to the cuts of meat used in traditional Tex-Mex dishes? Over time, it evolved to include the style of cooking and seasoning, making fajitas a global favorite.
Conclusion
These Fajita Chicken Tacos are a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner. Pair it with homemade guacamole, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love. Try it out, and let me know how yours turns out. Happy cooking! 🌮🔥🥑