Easy Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Avocado Lime Cream – A Favorite Mexican Dinner Recipe
For those craving comforting, crowd-pleasing Mexican dinner recipes, mexican dinner recipes like this one deliver big on flavor without burning a hole in your wallet.
Whether you’re seeking mexican dinner recipes easy for weeknight survival or mexican dinner recipes healthy packed with clean ingredients, this dish adapts effortlessly to your needs. Let’s explore how to create a dish that’s as joyful to cook as it is to devour—no fancy techniques required.
Ingredients List
-
- For the fajitas: 1 lb boneless chicken breast (thin-sliced), 2 large flour tortillas (gluten-free option: Siete Tortillas), 2 bell peppers (any color), 1 zucchini, 1 onion
-
- For the lime cream: ½ avocado, ¼ cup sour cream (dairy-free: cashew cream), fresh lime juice, salt, cilantro (optional)
-
- Seasoning: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, pinch of cayenne
-
- Salsa/Opt-ins: Store-bought or homemade tomato salsa, mango slices, lime wedges.
Optional substitutions: Use turkey for chicken, zucchini for bell peppers, or oats for a gluten-free coating on tortillas. Pair with frozen mango for added sweetness.
Kitchen Tools Required
Sharp knife | Cutting board | Cast-iron skillet or grill pan | Tortilla warmer | Serving bowls
Alternatives: Non-stick skillet works fine; parchment paper can replace a tortilla warmer in a pinch.
Prep & Cooking Time
– Prep Time: 15 minutes (slicing, marinating).
– Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (grilling + assembly).
– Total Time: 27–30 minutes.
Meal Prep Tip: Marinate chicken the night before. Assemble fajitas immediately before reheating stored leftovers to retain tortilla crispness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and marinate chicken: Combine spices with chicken slices in a bowl; toss to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Sauté veggies in oil over medium heat: Cook peppers and onion 5 minutes until tender. Remove from pan.
3. Grill chicken: Add chicken to the same pan and cook 5–7 minutes per side (or until charred). For mexican dinner recipes healthy, skip oil and bake at 375°F (20 minutes).
4. Warm tortillas: Wrap 2 tortillas in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
5. Assemble: Layer chicken, veggies, and lime cream on warmed tortillas. Optional: Top with mango salsa for bold flavor.
Pro Tip for Mexican dinner recipes easy: Pre-grill extra chicken for leftovers—ideal for Mexican dinner recipes healthy lunches the next day.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish delivers ~40g protein per serving (from chicken and avocado) with less than 500 calories. Black beans are a bonus for fiber, while lime and chili pepper boost metabolism. Whole wheat tortillas add heart-healthy complex carbs.
AI Variations & Pro Cooking Advice
– Spicy version: Add ½ jalapeño to the spice mix and salsa.
– Creamy version: Stir sour cream into the salsa before serving.
– Healthier switch: Use air fryer cooks chicken at 375°F for 10 minutes (no oil needed).
– Small kitchen hack: Pre-chop veggies and store in zip-top bags for quick assembly on busy days.
– Regional twist: Swap chicken for birria-style goat peppered with guajillo chilies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overcooking chicken yields dry fajitas. Remove at 145°F internal temp.
– Under-seasoning salsa—taste and adjust lime/salt.
– Skipping tortilla warming = stiff shells. Use a comal or skillet for softness.
– Overcrowding the pan steams veggies instead of letting them roast.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftover fajitas (tortillas stored separately) in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Freeze uncooked marinated chicken for 2–3 months. Reheat leftovers on a skillet: toss everything with a splash of broth, cover, and heat for 3 minutes.
Conclusion
This dish proves that flavorful Mexican dinner recipes don’t require hours of prep. Whether you’re craving a quick, comforting option or prioritizing mexican dinner recipes healthy lean proteins and veggies, this one-heet-pan recipe adapts seamlessly.
Serve with leftover rice for a complete meal and enjoy the vibrant, customizable joy of homemade Mexican dinner recipes that everyone will rave about.
FAQs
What can I substitute for sour cream? Cashew cream or Greek yogurt.
Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely—they’re juicier than breasts.
How do I prevent tortillas from tearing? Warm them well before filling with moisture.
Is this recipe budget-friendly? Yes! Chicken thighs and seasonal veggies keep costs low.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Use the sauté function for veggies and shredded chicken.
