Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic Tex-Mex dish that brings vibrant colors and flavors to your dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe combines succulent chicken, colorful bell peppers, zesty onions, and loads of cheese, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or exciting gatherings. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, these fajitas are sure to please the whole family!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese
- How to Make Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese
- Tips for Making Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing
- Reheating
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese related recipes next!
- Chicken Quesadilla
- Beef Tacos
- Vegetable Fajitas
- Chicken Burritos
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: This Chicken Fajitas recipe is a snap to make, taking only 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it ideal for any night of the week.
- Full of Flavor: The marinated chicken, combined with the fragrant spices and fresh veggies, creates a delicious medley that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and sides to fit your family’s taste, making each serving unique!
Ingredients for Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, sliced into strips for quick cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Use a variety of colors (red, yellow, green) for sweetness and crunch.
- Onion: Adds a savory flavor and nice texture when sautéed.
- Olive Oil: For cooking; adds flavor and helps with browning.
- Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that brings out the best flavor in the chicken and veggies.
- Shredded Cheese: Extra cheesy goodness—use your favorite cheese for melting.
- Flour Tortillas: Soft wraps perfect for holding everything together, or use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
How to Make Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and veggie mixture to the skillet.
- Sauté for about 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender and slightly charred.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture. Cover for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave briefly to soften them.
- Serve the cheesy chicken and peppers in the tortillas, and top with your favorite garnishes.
Tips for Making Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese
- Marinate the Chicken: For an even more flavorful dish, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or overnight if possible.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Freshly sliced bell peppers and onions will provide the best flavors and textures.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix cheeses like Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack for varying flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Cook the chicken and veggies as directed but leave the cheese off until you’re ready to serve for best results.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. Rewarm on a skillet on low heat.
Freezing Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese
- Allow the fajita filling to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Chicken Fajitas with Extra Cheese
- Reheat the filling over medium heat in a skillet until warmed through.
- For the best texture, warm tortillas separately before filling.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.
What type of cheese is best for chicken fajitas?
Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack cheese are all excellent options for fajitas.
Can I add other vegetables to the fajitas?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn to the mix.
Are these fajitas gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Can I prepare these fajitas in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mix ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
