Effortless Meal Prep: Better Than Takeout Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Looking for a meal that beats out most Mexican restaurants and simplifies your meal prep routine? You're in luck. Say goodbye to mediocre takeout and hello to homemade goodness that's both delicious and practical.

Healthy Fajita Night: Tips for Lighter, Flavorful Meals

Ingredients:

For the Fajita Seasoning:

• 1⁄2 tablespoon chili powder

• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken and Peppers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1.5 lb chicken, sliced into strips *skip slicing if doing slow cooker

• 2 red bell peppers, sliced

• 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced

• 2 green bell peppers, sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth for slow cooker method

Topping Ideas: 

• Avocado slices or guacamole

• Chopped cilantro

• Diced tomatoes

• Salsa

• Black beans

• Cojita cheese

My secret ingredients for incredible flavor and enhanced nutrition:

• Uncooked tortillas

• Incredible salsa 

• Homemade guacamole (Alton Brown's recipe is what we use.)

• Homemade chili pepper blend (guajillo, pasillo, and/or ancho make a good blend and you can add morita for a kick)

Instructions:

For the Fajita Seasoning:

1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the fajita seasoning. Mix well and set aside.

For the Chicken and Peppers (Slow Cooker Method):

1. Season the chicken strips the fajita seasoning mixture and place them in the slow cooker.

2. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

4. Once cooked, remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and set aside.

5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. 

6. Stir fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly caramelized.

7. Serve the chicken and peppers hot with toppings of choice!
   

Building a Balanced Plate:

To build a balanced plate, use the hand guide portion method:

• 1-2 palms of chicken (protein)

• 1-2 fists of veggies

• 1-2 cupped hands of carbs

• 1-2 thumbs of fat

Secret Ingredients:

1. Use uncooked tortillas for an authentic taste and texture.

2. Opt for incredible salsa from a local market for added flavor.

3. Prepare homemade guacamole using Alton Brown's recipe

4. For an unparalleled flavor experience, consider creating your own blend of chili pepper seasoning. This step is more time-intensive but an absolute game-changer in terms of taste. Instead of using "chili pepper" from the grocery store, take a trip to a Mexican grocery store where you can find a variety of ground or dried peppers. Look for guajillo, pasillo, and/or ancho peppers for their rich, earthy flavors. If you're craving a bit of heat, add morita peppers to the mix.

To make your own chili pepper blend, simply blend these peppers together to create a unique seasoning that will elevate your chicken fajitas to new heights of flavor. You might also find pre-ground versions of these peppers at specialty stores. Once you try this homemade chili pepper seasoning, you'll never want to go back to store-bought options!

Meal Prep Made Easy: A Week's Worth of Fajitas in One Go

This recipe has become a regular in our house (often requested on birthdays) and makes appearances every other weekend for a simple reason: it's practical. I ensure that I have easy, satisfying meals ready to go throughout the week. It's the perfect example of cooking once and eating many times—a strategy that saves time and ensures I always have a tasty meal at hand. 

Curious about how the hand guide can simplify your approach to nutrition and eliminate the need to count calories? Click here to explore the benefits of this practical and intuitive method.