Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas

Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas

Welcome back to the kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and smoky aromas — the Smoky Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• Chicken:
  • 1 and 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus 1 teaspoon for veggies)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Vegetables:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for veggies)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 small bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
• For Serving:
  • 12 6-inch flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream, Chipotle Mayo, Guacamole, lime wedges (for garnish)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with lime juice, soy sauce, liquid smoke, cumin, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and garlic. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Prep the Veggies:
   • While the chicken marinates, slice the bell peppers and onion. Set these aside for later.
3. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high and add vegetable oil. Sear the marinated chicken strips in batches for about 2 minutes per side, adding butter when flipping to enhance flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook Veggies:
   • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil along with the sliced peppers and onion. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Sauté the veggies in the reserved marinade until they are crisp-tender.
5. Combine:
   • Return the chicken to the skillet with the cooked veggies, mixing well to ensure everything is heated through.
6. Serve:
   • Warm the tortillas and optionally sprinkle with cheese. Fill them with the chicken and veggie mixture. Garnish with sour cream, Chipotle Mayo, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 310 per serving
• Servings: 4

These fajitas are a crowd-pleaser, combining the smoky depth of liquid smoke and paprika with the bright zest of lime and cilantro. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of flavors that’s sure to excite your taste buds. Serve with your favorite sides or toppings for a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking, and more importantly, enjoy your meal!