If you love Mexican food, you probably enjoy chicken fajitas. They are a delicious dish of chicken strips, bell peppers, onions, tortillas, and toppings that you can customize to your liking. But do you know what makes chicken fajitas even better? A chicken fajita marinade recipe that adds flavor, moisture, and tenderness to your chicken. In this article, you will discover how to make the best chicken fajita marinade recipe with simple ingredients and easy steps. You will never go back to plain chicken again!
In this article, you will learn how to make the best chicken fajita marinade recipe that you can use for your next fajita night. This recipe is simple to follow, uses common ingredients that you probably have in your pantry or fridge, and takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Plus, it is gluten-free (if you use tamari instead of soy sauce), dairy-free (if you skip the cheese topping), low-carb (if you use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas), keto-friendly (if you limit your onion intake), paleo-friendly (if you use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce), Whole30-compliant (if you omit the honey), vegan (if you substitute tofu or tempeh for chicken), vegetarian (if you use mushrooms or eggplant for chicken), or whatever dietary preference you have.
This chicken fajita marinade recipe is also versatile. You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste buds. You can add more lime juice for extra tanginess or more honey for extra sweetness. Also you can experiment with different herbs such as cilantro or parsley or different oils such as olive oil or avocado oil. The possibilities are endless!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, whisk them together, and marinate your chicken. Then, grill or pan-fry your chicken and veggies, warm up your tortillas and assemble your fajitas. Enjoy the best chicken fajita marinade recipe ever!
Ingredients
To make the best chicken fajita marinade recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or any oil of your choice
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons of honey or any sweetener of your choice
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder or 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder or more if you like it spicy
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika or smoked paprika for extra smokiness
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt or more to taste
- 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
Instructions
To make the best chicken fajita marinade recipe, follow these easy steps:
Total Time: 1 hour
Whisk the marinade ingredients – Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oil, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, pepper, and salt until well combined. This is your chicken fajita marinade.
Marinate the chicken strips – Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
Place the chicken strips in a large ziplock bag or a shallow baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavor your chicken will have.
Cook the chicken on a grill or a skillet – Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
When you are ready to cook, preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease with oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.
Serve your chicken fajitas with your favorite toppings and sides – Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Serve your chicken fajitas with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges, etc. You can also serve them with tortillas (flour or corn), lettuce wraps, rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, salad greens, etc.
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Summary
The best chicken fajita marinade recipe is a simple and delicious way to make tender and flavorful chicken fajitas. It uses common ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry or fridge and takes only 15 minutes to prepare. You can also customize it according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. All you need to do is whisk together the marinade ingredients, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, and then grill or pan-fry your chicken until done. Serve your chicken fajitas with your favorite toppings and sides and enjoy!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best chicken fajita marinade recipe:
How long can I marinate my chicken for?
You can marinate your chicken for as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavor your chicken will have. However, do not marinate your chicken for more than 24 hours as it may become mushy or tough.
Can I freeze my marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze your marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label and date your freezer bags or containers and thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of meat such as beef, pork, turkey, lamb, etc. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the thickness and doneness of your meat.
Can I use other types of vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of vegetables such as zucchini, squash, mushrooms, carrots, etc. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes and cook them until crisp-tender.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan or vegetarian by substituting tofu or tempeh for chicken. You can also use mushrooms or eggplant for a meaty texture. Just make sure to press out any excess moisture from your tofu or tempeh before marinating and cooking.
